Are you wondering: can cleft surgery be done in stages in Islamabad? The answer is: Yes, cleft lip and palate surgery can be performed in stages, particularly for improved function, appearance, and overall health. We at Enfield Royal Clinic in Islamabad are experts in staged cleft repair surgery based on the needs and growth of each child.
We will take you through all that you want to know.
What is Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Surgery?
It is a genetic disorder when a baby in the embryonic stage fails to develop facial tissues, and they don’t merge properly from the upper lip and roof of the mouth, forming a slit.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Before Surgery
- Your child will undergo basic health checks and imaging.
- Feeding advice may be given if the baby struggles with the bottle or breastfeeding.
- You’ll meet with a team including a plastic surgeon, ENT specialist, and speech therapist.
During Surgery
- The surgery is performed with local anesthesia.
- First cleft lip is repaired, and then the cleft palate is repaired.
- Tissues are carefully stitched to close the gap and restore normal shape.
After Surgery
- Expect minor bruising or swelling for a few days.
- Pain management and advice on feeding will be given.
- Healing time depends on the type and stage of the operation.
Can Cleft Surgery Be Done in Multiple Stages?
Yes, the surgery of the cleft lip and palate is normally performed in several stages, especially when both the palate and the lip are involved. It can be staged better to heal, better outcome, and even allow the child to grow.
Why Is Staged Cleft Surgery Performed?
Staged surgery allows:
- Safe procedures for babies (by age/weight).
- Time for the mouth and face to develop before complicated repairs.
- Improved results for speech, eating, and appearance.
- Less strain on the body than fixing everything at once.
What Is the Right Age for Cleft Lip Repair Surgery?
An ideal age for cleft repair surgery is when a baby is 3-6 months old, and for cleft palate, the baby should be between 9-18 months.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After Each Stage?
- Initial healing: 1-2 weeks after each operation.
- It normally takes 5-10 days for stitches to heal.
- Full recovery and development take months.
- Follow-ups help to monitor the growth of the face, teeth, and speech.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Staged Cleft Surgery?
Your child is a suitable candidate if:
- They have a cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
- They are sufficiently healthy for surgery at every stage.
- They require speech correction or facial balance as they grow.
- Even adults with clefts can undergo staged surgeries.
Advantages of Staged Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
- Improved healing and safety at every stage.
- Enhanced aesthetic form of the nose, lips, and jaw.
- Improved speech and feeding capacity.
- Tailor-made treatment according to every child’s growth schedule.
- Lower risk of complications than single extensive surgeries.
What Are the Risks of Cleft Lip Surgery?
Just like any other medical procedure or surgery, this one too has some risks that are:
- Bleeding or infection (uncommon).
- Scarring (often disappears with time).
- Need for revision surgery.
- Speech delay or nasal issues (may need to undergo follow-up therapy).
At Enfield Royal Clinic, we maintain safe procedures with professional care to minimize such risks.
What Is the Success Rate of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery?
When performed by a professional and expert surgeon, the success rate of cleft surgery is 95%. There are several children born with such defects, but with the modern surgical techniques, they are living a normal and healthy life.
How Much Does Cleft Surgery Cost in Islamabad?
On average, each staged cleft repair procedure can range from PKR 70,000 to 170,000. The cost of staged cleft surgery in Islamabad is different based on:
- Number of stages involved.
- Type of cleft
- Age and overall well-being of the patient
- Expertise of the surgeon and the facility standards.
Best Surgeon for Cleft Repair Surgery in Islamabad
Enfield Royal Clinic provides qualified board-certified plastic surgeons under the leadership of Dr. Naveed Azhar, who has helped hundreds of children and adults to overcome cleft lips and palates successfully. He is the best surgeon in Islamabad with:
- Specialization in cleft repair in children.
- Have experience and success over the years.
- Collaborates with a complete set of teams (ENT, orthodontics, speech therapy).
Conclusion
Cleft corrective surgery can be done in stages, and in the majority of cases, this is the ideal thing to do so far as proper healing, growth, and natural-looking results. In case your baby is in need of cleft repair in Islamabad, Enfield Royal Clinic offers a secure, skilled, and caring approach throughout the process.
Schedule your consultation now and give your child a beautiful and healthy smile.
