Cleft lip and cleft palate surgery are reconstructive procedures performed to correct congenital conditions where a baby is born with a split in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate), or both. These conditions occur when facial structures do not fully fuse during early pregnancy. Surgery is essential not only for cosmetic improvement but also for critical functions such as feeding, speech development, hearing, and dental health.

A cleft lip repair is usually performed within the first 3 to 6 months of life. The surgeon carefully closes the gap by reconstructing the lip muscles, skin, and the natural contour of the lip and nostril, which also helps improve appearance and function. A cleft palate repair (palatoplasty) is generally performed a bit later, often between 9 and 18 months, to close the opening in the roof of the mouth. This helps improve the ability to eat, speak, and prevent fluid from passing into the nose during swallowing.