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Cheiloplasty (Cleft Lip Repair) Post-OperativeAppearanceAfter cleft lip surgery there will be sutures (stitches) in your child's lip. The amount of sutures in the incision line will depend on the extent of the initial deformity and the technique used by the surgeon for closure. The area will be pink around the sutures and slightly swollen. To protect the lip from the child rubbing or pulling on the area, the surgeon will order restraints for the child's arms. Wound CareThe suture line should be cleaned frequently to prevent crust formation and infection. You may use a cotton-tipped applicator and half strength hydrogen peroxide. The doctor may prescribe an ointment for you to put over the incision and sutures. A thin layer of ointment will be necessary. Be sure to keep the arm restraints on, especially if your child wants to rub the area. PainBy the time your child is ready to go home from the hospital he should not be experiencing much discomfort. The doctor may suggest pain relief medication if needed. Periods of irritability may be due to the arm restraints or hunger. Tender loving care is recommended. Cuddle and talk to your child often. Offer frequent small feedings if necessary. DietFollow your physician's recommendation for the best type of feeding method for your child. The Mead Johnson Nurser with a large cross cut opening (such that there is a steady flow of liquid through the opening when the bottle is held upside down) should be acceptable. Care should be taken to make sure that the child receives enough liquids. Hold your child in a semi-sitting position and feed him slowly. Small frequent feedings may be necessary for the first week. When to CallSymptoms of infection are bright redness, pus-like drainage, or swelling. Call us if you observe any of these symptoms. If you child starts to run a fever (over 101¡F) check to make sure that he is getting enough liquids. Dehydration can cause the body temperature to rise. Is he getting a cold? Is anyone else in the home ill? Check these facts and then give us a call. It is important that the child receives enough nourishment. If he won't eat, try the TLC approach. If you still can't get him to take food or liquids, please give us a call. Return to ClinicYou will be given an appointment to return to the clinic for a post-operative check when your child is discharged. This will usually be about a week after surgery. Bring any questions you may have with you to this appointment. If you are unable to keep the appointment, please be sure to call and reschedule. For medical questions, please call:
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