When is cleft palate usually repaired?

Cleft palate repair is typically performed between 1 and 5 years of age, with many surgeons aiming for the surgery to take place around 9 to 18 months. This timing allows the child to grow sufficiently, which is crucial for anesthesia and the healing process. Additionally, performing the surgery within this age range addresses both functional and social aspects of the child's development. By this time, the child is at an age where they begin to interact more socially, and having a repaired palate can significantly improve speech development and self-esteem.

While some cleft lip and palate surgeries may be done earlier, particularly in cases where feeding issues arise at birth, the repair of the palate itself is strategically timed to coincide with developmental milestones, ensuring the best long-term outcomes for both speech and appearance. Picking a time frame that is too early or too late might hinder optimal development and recovery.