At what age is cleft lip typically repaired?

The typical age for cleft lip repair is between 10 weeks and 6 months. This timing is strategic, as it allows for the infant to grow and gain enough weight for the procedure to be safely performed while also positioning the child for optimal feeding and development. Repairing cleft lip within this timeframe helps to facilitate both functional and aesthetic outcomes, enhancing the child's ability to feed properly and minimizing potential speech issues later on.

Performing the surgery too early might not provide enough growth to ensure a successful repair, while delaying until after 6 months can lead to additional complications or developmental delays. The window of 10 weeks to 6 months strikes a balance between the child's developmental needs and the readiness for surgical intervention.

In contrast, immediate surgery at birth may not be practical because the infant's size and health must be carefully evaluated. Performing the procedure later than 6 months or after the age of 2 would also likely necessitate more complex interventions and could affect the child's speech and social development during crucial formative years.