Cleft & Craniofacial Center
Timeline For Treating Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
This timeline gives general guidelines for when a child should be treated for various stages and symptoms related to cleft lip and palate; however, every child is unique and should be assessed by a qualified doctor to determine the proper course of treatment.
| Age | Treatment |
|---|---|
| 1 - 3 weeks |
Plastic surgery evaluation
|
| 3 - 6 months | Cleft lip repair Ear tubes (otolaryngology) |
| 11 - 12 months | Cleft palate repair |
| 18 months | Speech evaluation (speech therapy) |
| 2 1/2 - 3 years | Craniofacial Clinic - once your child begins repeating phrases, he/she will have annual visits with entire team |
| 3 - 4 1/2 years | Secondary speech management (if necessary) |
| 5 - 6 years | Lip/nose revision (if necessary) |
| 8 years | Alveolar bone grafting (if necessary) |
| 14+ years | Monitor midfacial growth |