The surgery to correct the cleft lip is usually done from 3 months of the baby, if he is in good health, within the ideal weight and without anemia. Already surgery to correct the cleft palate can be done when the baby is approximately 18 months.
The cleft palate is characterized by an opening in the sky of the baby's mouth, while the cleft lip is characterized by a 'cut' or lack of tissue between the upper lip and the nose of the baby, being easily recognized. These are the most common genetic changes in Brazil, and can be solved with plastic surgery. Know the causes of the cleft lip and cleft palate.
How is the surgery done
Plastic surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate is done under general anesthesia so the baby is quiet. The procedure is simple and lasts less than 2 hours, requiring only 1 day of hospital stay.
After that the baby can be taken home where he will continue to recover. After waking up, it is normal for the baby to become irritated and want to put his hand on his face and to prevent the baby from putting his hands on his face, which can impair healing, the doctor may suggest that the baby get elbows bandaged with a diaper or gauze to keep your arms straight.
How is the recovery of the baby?
After 1 week of cleft lip surgery the baby will be able to nurse and after 30 days of surgery the baby should be evaluated by a speech therapist because exercises are usually needed so that he can speak normally. Check out some tips to encourage your baby to talk.
The mother can massage the baby's lip that will help to heal better, avoiding adhesions. This massage should be done with the index finger at the beginning of the scar in circular movements with firm but gentle pressure up to the lip.
How to feed your baby after surgery
After the surgery, the baby should only eat liquid or pasty foods until complete healing because the pressure that solid food makes on the mouth when chewing can lead to the opening of the stitches, making recovery difficult and even speech.
Some examples of what the baby can eat are porridge, soup whipped in a blender, juice, vitamin, mashed potatoes. To add protein you can add pieces of meat, chicken or egg in the soup and beat it all in the blender, making it an excellent lunch and dinner option. Know what to eat when you can not chew.
When to take the baby to the dentist
The first consultation should be before the surgery to assess the position of the teeth, dental arch and oral health, but after 1 month of surgery should go to the dentist again so he can evaluate if any procedure is still needed such as dental surgery or use of appliances, for example.
When the child has more teeth than necessary, extractions can be made to normalize the dental arch, which is important for both feeding and speech. Check out some care you should take with the baby's mouth.
