Cleft Lip Repair

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
₱ 0

Things you need to know

1.What is ​Cleft Lip Repair?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Cleft Lip Repair​ ?

.

Why do you need Cleft Lip Repair​ ?

Cleft lip repair is indicated for:

  • Cleft lip (unilateral or bilateral):
    • Unilateral: Split on one side of the lip (70–80% of cases).
    • Bilateral: Split on both sides (20–30% of cases).
    • Often associated with cleft palate, requiring staged surgeries.
  • Functional issues:
    • Difficulty feeding (poor suction), nasal regurgitation, or speech delays (if palate involved).
  • Cosmetic concerns:
    • Facial asymmetry, nasal deformity, or social stigma.
  • Timing:
    • Typically performed at 3–6 months of age (per the “rule of 10s”: 10 weeks old, 10 pounds, hemoglobin 10 g/dL).

The procedure aims to close the lip gap, restore normal lip and nasal appearance, improve feeding, and support speech development, often as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan.

Why Do Cleft Lip Repair​ Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

Cleft Lip Repair Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Physical exam: Assesses cleft type (unilateral/bilateral), extent, and nasal involvement.
      • Feeding assessment: Ensures adequate weight gain.
      • Blood tests: Hemoglobin, clotting profile.
    • Pre-surgical orthopedics (if needed): Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) aligns tissues before surgery (used in severe cases).
    • Consent: Risks, including scarring, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Cleft Lip Repair:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.
      • Incision: Z-plasty or rotation-advancement technique (Millard repair) to close the gap.
        • Unilateral: Rotates and advances tissue to align the lip and nose.
        • Bilateral: Closes both sides, often requiring nasal correction.
      • Nasal correction: Adjusts nasal cartilage for symmetry (primary rhinoplasty, often done simultaneously).
      • Closure: Lip sutured with absorbable stitches; nasal stents may be placed to shape nostrils.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Fine sutures: Closes delicate tissues.
      • Nasal stents: Maintains nasal shape (if used).
      • Operating microscope: Enhances precision for nasal correction.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 1–3 days.
    • Care: Arm restraints (to prevent touching the surgical site); clean incision with saline.
    • Feeding: Resume breastfeeding/formula with a syringe or special bottle for 1–2 weeks (avoid suction).
    • Pain management: Mild pain for 2–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
    • Instructions: Avoid pressure on the lip; follow feeding guidelines.

Recovery After Cleft Lip Repair​

  1. Hospital Stay: 1–3 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Swelling: Mild pain and swelling for 2–5 days; resolves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Feeding: Use syringe or soft bottle for 1–2 weeks; avoid pacifiers to protect the repair.
    • Activity: Normal infant activities; arm restraints for 1–2 weeks to prevent scratching.
    • Scar care: Clean incision daily; scar massage after 2 weeks to soften tissue.
    • Appearance: Initial redness fades in 1–2 months; scar improves over 6–12 months.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (check healing), 1 month, and 3 months.
    • Speech/Feeding assessment: At 6 months to monitor development.
    • Cleft palate repair (if needed): Typically at 9–18 months (as noted in your prior query).

Most resume normal feeding in 1–2 weeks; full recovery (scar maturation) takes 6–12 months. Success rate: 90–95% achieve good cosmetic and functional outcomes after initial surgery; some may need revisions for nasal asymmetry or scarring.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (1–2%): Minor bleeding at incision; severe bleeding rare.
    • Infection (1–3%): At surgical site; treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in healthy infants.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Scar widening (2–5%): May need revision surgery for better cosmesis.
    • Nasal asymmetry (5–10%): May require secondary rhinoplasty (at 5–10 years or adolescence).
    • Wound dehiscence (1–2%): Suture line opens; needs re-suturing.
    • Feeding issues (1–3%): Temporary; managed with feeding therapy.
  • Long-Term:
    • Speech issues (if palate involved): Addressed with palate repair and speech therapy.
    • Dental/Orthodontic needs (10–20%): Clefts often affect gumline; needs orthodontic care later.

Report fever, severe swelling, bleeding, or feeding difficulties promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a cleft lip?

Genetic factors, environmental factors (e.g., smoking, folate deficiency during pregnancy); occurs in 1 in 700 births globally.

Can I avoid cleft lip repair?

No, surgery is necessary for functional (feeding, speech) and cosmetic reasons; non-surgical options can’t close the gap.

Is cleft lip repair painful?

Mild pain for 2–5 days, managed with medication; infants recover quickly.

How soon can my child resume normal activities?

Feeding adjustments: 1–2 weeks; normal activities: 2–3 weeks; full scar healing: 6–12 months.

Is cleft lip repair covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for congenital defects; confirm with your provider; NGOs like Smile Train often cover costs.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe swelling, bleeding, or feeding difficulties.

Will my child need more surgeries?

Possibly: Cleft palate repair (9–18 months), nasal revision (5–10 years), or orthodontic work (adolescence).

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Use arm restraints, follow feeding guidelines, clean incision, and attend multidisciplinary follow-ups (speech, dental).

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Cleft Lip Repair​

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is Cleft Lip Repair?

Cleft lip repair is a surgical procedure to correct a cleft lip, a congenital condition where the upper lip fails to fully form, resulting in a gap or split that may extend to the nose. It is typically performed in infants to improve facial appearance, feeding, and future speech development. In the Philippines, cleft lip repair is conducted in plastic surgery or pediatric surgery departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), often at affordable costs or subsidized through NGOs like Smile Train. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for caregivers to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need Cleft Lip Repair?

Cleft lip repair is indicated for:

  • Cleft Lip (Congenital Defect):

    • Unilateral Cleft Lip (70–80%): Split on one side of the upper lip, often extending to the nostril.

    • Bilateral Cleft Lip (20–30%): Splits on both sides, typically involving more severe nasal deformity.

    • Often associated with cleft palate (50–70% of cases), requiring staged surgeries (palate repair at 9–18 months).

  • Functional Issues:

    • Difficulty feeding due to poor suction (e.g., milk leakage through nose, 40–50%).

    • Nasal regurgitation during feeding.

    • Potential speech delays (if palate involved, addressed separately).

  • Cosmetic Concerns:

    • Facial asymmetry, nasal deformity (e.g., flattened nostril), or social stigma affecting quality of life.

  • Prevalence in the Philippines: Cleft lip/palate occurs in ~1 in 500–700 births, with ~4,000–5,000 cases annually. Higher prevalence in rural areas due to genetic and environmental factors (e.g., malnutrition, folate deficiency).

  • Timing: Typically performed at 3–6 months of age, following the “rule of 10s” (10 weeks old, 10 pounds, hemoglobin 10 g/dL) to ensure safety under general anesthesia.

The procedure aims to close the lip gap, restore normal lip and nasal appearance, improve feeding, and support speech development as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan involving surgeons, speech therapists, and orthodontists.

Why Do Cleft Lip Repair Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱50,000 to ₱250,000, influenced by:

  • Procedure Type:

    • Unilateral cleft lip repair: ₱50,000–₱120,000.

    • Bilateral cleft lip repair or with nasal correction (primary rhinoplasty): ₱100,000–₱250,000.

  • Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱100,000–₱250,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱20,000–₱50,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or PCSO medical assistance).

  • NGO Support: Organizations like Smile Train and Operation Smile provide free or heavily subsidized surgeries in partnered hospitals (e.g., rural centers, mission programs), covering ~30–40% of cases annually.

  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced plastic or pediatric surgeons with craniofacial training charge higher fees.

  • Additional Costs:

    • Pre-op diagnostics: Blood tests (₱2,000–₱5,000), feeding assessment (₱1,000–₱3,000).

    • Anesthesia (general): ₱10,000–₱30,000.

    • Hospital stay (1–3 days): ₱10,000–₱30,000/day.

    • Medications (e.g., analgesics, antibiotics): ₱3,000–₱8,000.

    • Nasoalveolar molding (NAM, if needed): ₱10,000–₱30,000.

  • Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱10,000–₱30,000) for congenital defects; private insurance typically covers cleft repair as a medically necessary procedure. NGOs like Smile Train often cover full costs for indigent patients. Confirm with your provider.

Cleft Lip Repair Procedure

Before Surgery Evaluation:

  • Diagnosis:

    • Physical Exam: Assesses cleft type (unilateral/bilateral), extent (complete/incomplete), nasal involvement, and associated cleft palate.

    • Feeding Assessment: Ensures adequate weight gain (critical for surgical safety); may involve nutritionist or feeding specialist.

    • Blood Tests: Checks hemoglobin (≥10 g/dL), clotting profile, and general health to ensure anesthesia safety.

    • Imaging (rare): X-rays or CT scan for severe cases with suspected craniofacial anomalies.

    • Pre-surgical Orthopedics (5–10%): Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) used in severe cases to align lip/nasal tissues before surgery, typically for 1–3 months.

  • Preparation:

    • Medications: Stop any non-essential drugs; antibiotics (e.g., cefalexin) may be given pre-op if infection risk present.

    • Fasting: 4–6 hours before general anesthesia (infants).

    • Consent: Includes risks like scarring, asymmetry, or wound dehiscence.

  • Multidisciplinary Team: Involves plastic or pediatric surgeon, anesthesiologist, pediatrician, and speech/feeding therapist (post-op).

Surgical Techniques:

  1. Cleft Lip Repair (Unilateral, 70–80%):

    • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.

    • Process:

      • Incision: Rotation-advancement technique (Millard repair, most common) or Z-plasty to close the lip gap and realign tissues.

      • Lip tissues are rotated and advanced to close the cleft, creating a natural lip contour.

      • Muscle (orbicularis oris) repaired to restore function.

      • Nasal correction (primary rhinoplasty, 50–60%): Adjusts nasal cartilage for symmetry (e.g., corrects flattened nostril).

      • Closure with fine absorbable sutures (e.g., 6-0 Vicryl) to minimize scarring.

    • Tools: Fine sutures, surgical microscope (for precision), nasal stents (if needed).

  2. Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair (20–30%):

    • Similar process but more complex, addressing both sides of the lip and central philtrum.

    • Often requires staged nasal correction due to greater deformity.

    • Lasts 1.5–2.5 hours; may involve pre-surgical NAM for better outcomes.

  3. Intraoperative Considerations:

    • Sterile technique to minimize infection risk.

    • Blood loss: Minimal (10–50 mL); transfusion rare.

    • Nasal stents (if used): Maintain nostril shape for 1–2 weeks post-op.

    • Monitoring: Vital signs and anesthesia response closely tracked.

After Surgery:

  • Monitoring: Recovery room for 2–4 hours to check for bleeding or anesthesia effects; hospital stay of 1–3 days.

  • Care:

    • Pain management: Acetaminophen (oral or IV) for mild pain (2–5 days).

    • Antibiotics (e.g., cefalexin): 5–7 days to prevent infection.

    • Feeding: Resume breastfeeding or formula via syringe, dropper, or special cleft bottle (e.g., Haberman) to avoid suction stress on repair.

    • Arm restraints: Used for 1–2 weeks to prevent infant touching the surgical site.

  • Instructions:

    • Clean incision with saline daily; avoid pressure on lip.

    • No pacifiers or suction-based feeding for 1–2 weeks.

    • Monitor for signs of complications (e.g., fever, wound opening).

Recovery After Cleft Lip Repair

  • Hospital Stay: 1–3 days, depending on infant’s condition and surgical complexity.

  • Post-Surgery Care:

    • Pain: Mild pain for 2–5 days; managed with acetaminophen (dosed by weight).

    • Swelling/Redness: Peaks at 2–3 days, resolves in 1–2 weeks; cold compresses (gentle) may help.

    • Feeding: Use syringe, dropper, or special cleft bottle for 1–2 weeks to avoid suction; breastfeeding may resume with guidance from a feeding specialist.

    • Activity: Normal infant activities (e.g., sleeping, cuddling); arm restraints for 1–2 weeks to prevent scratching or touching the lip.

    • Scar Care: Clean incision with saline daily; scar massage (with vitamin E or silicone gel) after 2 weeks to soften tissue and reduce scarring.

    • Appearance: Initial redness/swelling fades in 1–2 months; scar improves over 6–12 months; final cosmetic outcome visible by 1–2 years.

  • Follow-Up:

    • Visits at 1 week (check healing, remove nasal stents if used), 1 month, and 3 months.

    • Speech/feeding assessment at 6 months to monitor development and plan palate repair (if needed, typically at 9–18 months).

    • Multidisciplinary follow-up: Plastic surgeon, speech therapist, orthodontist, and pediatrician for long-term care.

  • Recovery timeline: Resume normal feeding in 1–2 weeks; full recovery (scar maturation) in 6–12 months. Success rate: 90–95% achieve good cosmetic and functional outcomes after initial surgery; 10–20% may need revisions for nasal asymmetry or scarring.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:

    • Bleeding (1–2%): Minor oozing at incision; severe bleeding (<1%) may require re-suturing.

    • Infection (1–3%): Wound infection or abscess; treated with antibiotics, rarely drainage.

    • Anesthesia Reactions (<1%): Rare in healthy infants; monitored closely during surgery.

  • Post-Surgery:

    • Scar Widening (2–5%): May result in noticeable scar; revision surgery (₱50,000–₱150,000) at 5–10 years for cosmesis.

    • Nasal Asymmetry (5–10%): Flattened nostril or columella deviation; may require secondary rhinoplasty (₱100,000–₱250,000) in childhood/adolescence.

    • Wound Dehiscence (1–2%): Suture line opens due to tension or trauma; requires re-suturing.

    • Feeding Issues (1–3%): Temporary difficulty; managed with feeding therapy or special bottles.

  • Long-Term:

    • Speech Issues (10–20%, if palate involved): Addressed with cleft palate repair and speech therapy (₱1,000–₱3,000/session).

    • Dental/Orthodontic Needs (20–30%): Clefts near gumline may affect teeth alignment; requires orthodontic care (₱50,000–₱200,000) in childhood/adolescence.

    • Psychosocial Impact: Social stigma may affect confidence; counseling may help.

  • Report fever, severe swelling, bleeding, wound opening, or feeding difficulties promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a cleft lip?
Genetic factors (e.g., family history), environmental factors (e.g., smoking, folate deficiency, or medications during pregnancy); occurs in ~1 in 500–700 births in the Philippines.

Can cleft lip repair be avoided?
No, surgery is necessary for functional (feeding, speech) and cosmetic reasons; non-surgical options (e.g., taping) are ineffective for closing the gap.

Is cleft lip repair painful?
Mild pain for 2–5 days, managed with acetaminophen; infants recover quickly with minimal discomfort.

How soon can my child resume normal activities?
Feeding adjustments (syringe/special bottle) for 1–2 weeks; normal infant activities (e.g., sleeping, cuddling) in 2–3 weeks; full scar healing in 6–12 months.

Is cleft lip repair covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱10,000–₱30,000) for congenital defects; private insurance typically covers as medically necessary. NGOs like Smile Train or Operation Smile often cover full costs for indigent patients. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications post-procedure?
Fever, severe swelling, bleeding, wound opening, or feeding difficulties require immediate medical attention.

Will my child need more surgeries?
Possibly: Cleft palate repair (9–18 months, ₱50,000–₱250,000), nasal revision (5–10 years), or orthodontic work (adolescence) for dental alignment.

What lifestyle changes are needed post-procedure?
Use arm restraints for 1–2 weeks, follow feeding guidelines (syringe/special bottle), clean incision daily, attend multidisciplinary follow-ups (speech, dental, surgical), and consider counseling for psychosocial support.

Conclusion

Cleft lip repair is a safe and effective procedure to correct a congenital defect, significantly improving appearance, feeding, and future speech development with a high success rate (90–95%). The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) and NGOs like Smile Train and Operation Smile provide affordable or free care, with costs ranging from ₱50,000 to ₱250,000, often covered by PhilHealth or private insurance for congenital defects. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers caregivers to approach surgery confidently. For infants with cleft lip, consult a board-certified plastic or pediatric surgeon for personalized guidance and optimal outcomes.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Cleft Lip Repair

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
30,000
100,000
Antipolo
30,000
100,000
Bacolod
30,000
100,000
Bacoor
30,000
80,000
Baguio
30,000
100,000
Butuan
30,000
80,000
Cagayan de Oro
30,000
100,000
Caloocan
30,000
80,000
Cebu City
40,000
150,000
Dasmariñas
30,000
80,000
Davao City
40,000
150,000
General Santos
30,000
100,000
General Trias
30,000
80,000
Iligan
30,000
100,000
Iloilo City
30,000
100,000
Las Piñas
30,000
100,000
Makati
40,000
150,000
Malolos
30,000
80,000
Manila
40,000
150,000
Muntinlupa
30,000
100,000
Parañaque
30,000
100,000
Pasay
30,000
100,000
Pasig
40,000
150,000
Puerto Princesa
30,000
100,000
Quezon City
40,000
150,000
San Fernando
30,000
80,000
San Jose del Monte
30,000
80,000
Taguig
40,000
150,000
Valenzuela
30,000
80,000
Zamboanga City
30,000
100,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

Scroll to Top