Your child's cleft palate (Picture 1) has been repaired. The opening in the roof of the mouth is now closed (Picture 2). Following surgery, there are a few things to know about your child's care at home. Other than these special instructions, your child should be cared for in the same way as any other child the same age. Show
Protecting the RepairTreating Cleft PalateThe Cleft Lip and Palate Center expertly cares for children with cleft palate. Speak With Our Team The roof of your child’s mouth (the palate) is still healing and should be protected from injury for about 3 weeks after surgery. There may be less feeling in this area for a while after the surgery. This means that your child can injure the roof of the mouth without you or your child knowing it. Put hard objects away, or keep them out of your child’s reach while the palate is healing. Please discuss with your surgeon the use of a pacifier after surgery. Listed below are objects that could hurt your child’s mouth.
Mouth Care
Drinking and EatingDuring this time, it is most important to make sure that your child is drinking enough liquids to stay hydrated. You will know if your child gets enough fluids if they have the same number of wet diapers after surgery as before. Your child should have a wet diaper at least every 8 hours. If there are fewer wet diapers, call the Cleft Lip and Palate Center helpline. This may be a sign of dehydration. You can reach the helpline at (614) 722-6299, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During evenings, weekends and holidays please call (614) 722-2000 and ask for the plastic surgeon on call. For a short while after surgery, your child may not eat as well as before surgery.
Arm SplintsYour child may or may not need to wear arm splints for 3 weeks. Please discuss this with your surgeon. These splints keep your child from putting their fingers into the mouth and accidentally damaging the repair. Before your child leaves the hospital, be sure a nurse shows you how to put the splints on properly. To find out more, refer to Helping Hand HH-II-16, Arm Restraints. Activity or Play
Pain and MedicinesIt is important for your child to take medicines as directed by the doctor. Your child will go home with an antibiotic. The antibiotic needs to be taken until all of it is gone. Some pain is normal after palate repair. Your surgeon and medical team will work together to achieve the best pain control possible, but your child may still experience discomfort. For pain, your child may be prescribed a medicine called either Oxycodone or Lortab. Your child may also be given over-the-counter pain medicines such as Tylenol® (acetaminophen), or Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) instead of Oxycodone or Lortab. After a few days, your child will only need over-the-counter pain medicine. Pain Medicines
Prescription Narcotic Medicine Over-the-Counter Medicine Medicine Lortab (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen) or Oxycodone Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Motrin or Advil (Ibuprofen) How often to take Lortab or Tylenol - may give every May give every Things to Know About Side Effects for Oxycodone and Lortab
Things to Know About Lortab
Things to Know About Over-the-Counter Pain Medicines
What to Expect After SurgeryFor the first few days after surgery, you may see the following things:
More Tips
When to Call the DoctorCall your child’s doctor or the Cleft Lip and Palate Center’s helpline if your child has:
The Cleft Lip and Palate Center HelplineDuring regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, call (614) 722-6299. After hours, on weekends or holidays, call (614) 722-2000. Ask to speak with the plastic surgeon on call. Which position is preferred for breastfeeding a baby with cleft palate?Place your baby in an upright, sitting position to prevent the formula from flowing back into the nose area. Keep the bottle tilted so the nipple is always filled with milk and pointed down away from the cleft. Your baby will move the nipple into the most comfortable position for him/her.
How is cleft palate detected?How is cleft lip/cleft palate diagnosed? In most cases, a prenatal ultrasound can detect cleft lip alone or cleft lip and palate as early as 16 weeks into a pregnancy. The diagnosis is then confirmed at birth with a detailed visual assessment and physical examination.
Where is cleft on body?A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth (palate). It is present from birth. The gap is there because parts of the baby's face did not join together properly during development in the womb.
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