Cleft Lip Surgery

What is Cleft Lip Surgery?

Cleft lip surgery, also known as cheiloplasty, is a specialized surgical procedure designed to repair a congenital split or opening in the upper lip. This condition, which occurs during fetal development when facial structures don't completely join, can range from a small notch in the lip to a complete separation extending into the nose and gum. Cleft lip surgery aims to close the separation, restore normal function and appearance of the upper lip, repair the nasal deformity often associated with cleft lip, and create a more symmetrical facial appearance. This procedure is not merely cosmetic but is essential for proper feeding, speech development, and psychological well-being of affected individuals.

Procedure Details

During cleft lip surgery, the surgeon makes carefully planned incisions on both sides of the cleft to create flaps of tissue. These flaps are then drawn together and sutured to close the cleft, reconstruct the lip and nose, and restore normal anatomy and function. For unilateral (one-sided) clefts, techniques such as the Millard rotation-advancement or Fisher anatomical subunit approach may be used. For bilateral (two-sided) clefts, more complex techniques are employed to reconstruct the central portion of the lip (prolabium) and reshape the nasal tip. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 1-3 hours depending on the complexity of the cleft. Advanced techniques include primary nasoalveolar molding (NAM) before surgery to reduce the severity of the deformity, and synchronous nasal repair to address the nasal asymmetry commonly associated with cleft lip. The surgery is usually performed when the infant is around 3-6 months old, though timing may vary based on the child's health and the surgeon's protocol.

Recovery Information

• Surgery Time: 1-3 HR
• Hospitalization Time: 1-3 DAYS
• Anesthetist: GENERAL
• Recovery Time: 4-6 WEEKS
• Stay Time: 10-14 days (for international patients)

Benefits

• Closure of the cleft in the upper lip
• Improved facial appearance and symmetry
• Enhanced nasal shape and function
• Better feeding ability
• Foundation for normal speech development
• Improved dental alignment and function
• Psychological and social benefits
• Prevention of complications such as chronic ear infections

Why Choose Iran for Cleft Lip Surgery

Iran offers numerous significant advantages for international patients seeking cleft lip surgery:

• Specialized Craniofacial Expertise: Iranian plastic and craniofacial surgeons are highly skilled in advanced cleft repair techniques, with many having trained at prestigious global institutions
• Exceptional Cost Savings: Cleft lip surgery in Iran costs 70-80% less than in Western countries, with comprehensive packages starting from $2,000-$4,000 (compared to $10,000-$20,000 in the US or Europe)
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Access to comprehensive cleft teams including plastic surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, and pediatric specialists
• Advanced Surgical Techniques: Implementation of the latest approaches including nasoalveolar molding and synchronous nasal repair
• High-Volume Experience: Iranian surgeons perform numerous cleft procedures annually, developing exceptional expertise
• Minimal Wait Times: Quick scheduling with virtually no waiting lists
• All-Inclusive Packages: Comprehensive care covering pre-operative assessment, surgery, post-operative care, accommodation, transportation, and interpreter services
• Long-Term Care Planning: Detailed guidance for ongoing care and potential future procedures
• Cultural Experience: Opportunity for accompanying family members to explore Iran's rich history, architecture, and cuisine during recovery

Risks and Considerations

• Temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort
• Potential for infection or poor wound healing
• Possible need for revision surgery as the child grows
• Scarring (though techniques minimize visibility)
• Potential for asymmetry or irregularities in lip appearance
• Possible impact on facial growth
• Need for additional procedures to address associated issues (dental, speech)
• Importance of specialized feeding techniques during early recovery

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for cleft lip surgery include:- Infants with congenital cleft lip (typically operated on at 3-6 months of age)- Older children or adults with untreated cleft lip or unsatisfactory results from previous repairs- Patients in good general health- Patients with adequate weight and nutritional status- Families committed to post-operative care and follow-up- International patients with arrangements for appropriate follow-up care in their home country- Patients without other serious medical conditions that would increase surgical risks

Preparation for Travel to Iran

Before traveling to Iran for cleft lip surgery, patients/families should:- Consult with their chosen Iranian surgical team remotely- Share recent photographs and medical records- Complete any requested pre-operative evaluations- Obtain necessary medical visa (facilitated by most medical tourism providers)- Learn specialized feeding techniques for post-operative care- Pack appropriate supplies (special feeding bottles, soft foods, etc.)- Arrange for comfortable accommodations suitable for infant/child recovery- Plan for a 10-14 day stay in Iran for the procedure and initial follow-up- Prepare for potential language barriers with translation services- Arrange for pediatric-friendly transportation

Post-Operative Care in Iran

After cleft lip surgery in Iran, patients benefit from:- Immediate post-surgical monitoring in a specialized pediatric facility- Pain management appropriate for the child's age- Guidance on specialized feeding techniques- Arm restraints to prevent the child from touching the surgical site- Regular check-ups with the surgical team during your stay- Wound care instructions and demonstrations- Dedicated medical tourism coordinators to assist with any needs- Comfortable family-friendly recovery accommodations- Translation services for all medical communications- 24/7 access to pediatric medical support- Final assessment before departure to ensure proper healing- Remote follow-up consultations as needed

Long-Term Results

Cleft lip surgery provides immediate improvement in appearance and function, with results that continue to refine as swelling subsides. The procedure creates a foundation for normal development, though some patients may require additional procedures as they grow. Modern surgical techniques result in minimal visible scarring, which typically fades and becomes less noticeable over time. Patients who undergo cleft lip surgery in Iran receive outcomes comparable to those achieved at leading global centers but at a fraction of the cost. For optimal long-term results, patients should follow the recommended schedule of follow-up care, which may include speech therapy, dental/orthodontic treatment, and possibly secondary surgeries to refine the lip and nose as the child develops. With comprehensive care, most children with repaired cleft lip can achieve normal speech, eating, and social functioning.