👶 Cleft Lip Surgery in Pakistan

Restoring Smiles, Confidence & Function – One Child at a Time

Cleft lip is a common congenital condition in which the upper lip does not form completely, leaving a visible split or gap. It may occur alone or together with a cleft palate (roof of the mouth). Cleft lip surgery is a life-changing reconstructive procedure that not only improves the child’s appearance but also restores normal function for feeding, speech, and breathing.

At Dr. Asim Durrani’s clinic, we specialize in safe and effective cleft lip repair, ensuring both cosmetic and functional restoration for infants, children, and even adults who were left untreated earlier.

👨‍⚕️ What is a Cleft Lip?

A cleft lip occurs when the tissue that forms the upper lip fails to fuse properly during early fetal development. It may appear:

On one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral)
As a partial cleft (not reaching the nose) or a complete cleft (extending into the nostril)
Sometimes along with a cleft palate

🔍 Causes and Risk Factors

Genetic predisposition
Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy
Smoking or alcohol use in pregnancy
Environmental exposures
Unknown factors (in many cases)

🏥 When Should Cleft Lip Surgery Be Done?

Ideally, cleft lip repair should be performed between 3 to 6 months of age, provided the baby:

Is in good general health
Has reached a minimum weight (typically ~5 kg)
Has no active infections or other medical conditions

Late correction is also possible in older children or adults who missed early surgical intervention.

✨ Goals of Surgery

Reconstruct the normal shape of the lip and nostril
Restore muscle function in the upper lip
Allow normal speech, feeding, and emotional development
Minimize visible scarring for better aesthetic outcome

🩺 Surgical Technique

The procedure is done under general anesthesia and usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Modern surgical techniques include:

Rotation-advancement flap repair
Millard or Tennison methods depending on cleft type
Precise alignment of muscle, skin, and lip contours
Often combined with nasal reshaping (primary rhinoplasty)

💊 Recovery and Aftercare

Hospital stay: 1–2 days
Feeding: special soft nipples or syringes for 1 week
Stitches: dissolvable or removed after 5–7 days
Follow-up: regular monitoring for healing and scar care
Final results: visible in 3–6 months

📸 Results

Postoperative results show:

Symmetrical lip contour
Natural smile line
Balanced nasal base
Long-lasting cosmetic and functional outcomes

📘 FAQ – Cleft Lip Surgery

1. What is the best age for cleft lip surgery?

Ideally between 3 to 6 months of age, but it can still be done safely in older children and adults if missed earlier.

2. Will my child need more surgeries in the future?

Yes, depending on the case. Some children may require:

Cleft palate repair (if present)
Revisional lip or nose surgery later in life
Speech therapy or orthodontic work

3. Is cleft lip surgery painful?

Your child will be under general anesthesia and will not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, we provide gentle pain control for comfort.

4. Will the scar be visible?

There will be a fine line, but with advanced techniques and good healing, the scar fades significantly over time and is barely noticeable.

5. Can my baby breastfeed after surgery?

Breastfeeding is encouraged before surgery. After surgery, feeding techniques may need adjustment temporarily, using special nipples or cups.

6. What happens if cleft lip is not treated?

Untreated cleft lips can lead to:

Feeding and nutritional issues
Speech and language delays
Low self-esteem due to visible deformity
Social and emotional challenges

7. How much does cleft lip surgery cost?

Cost varies depending on the case, hospital setting, and age of the patient. Consultation is required for personalized cost planning.

8. Do you offer surgery for cleft palate as well?

Yes. We offer cleft palate repair, secondary speech surgeries, and alveolar bone grafting when required.

📞 Book a Consultation Today

If your child or a loved one is living with a cleft lip, let us help restore a healthy, beautiful smile. Dr. Asim Durrani brings expertise, compassion, and world-class surgical results to every case.

📍 Location: [Your City], Pakistan
📱 WhatsApp: [Your Number]
📩 Instagram: [@Durrani1969]
🗓️ Book Now: [Insert Link]

cleft lip