Cleft Palate Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

Immediate post-op (in hospital) :

Immediately after surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room where they will be closely monitored. Once your child is stable, they will be transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). In the PICU, your child will continue to be monitored and will receive pain medication and antibiotics.

Short term (less than 6 months post op):

Your child will typically stay in the PICU for 2-3 days after surgery. During this time, they will be gradually started on a clear liquid diet and then advanced to a soft diet. Your child will also need to wear a special headgear to help support their palate.

After your child is discharged from the hospital, they will need to follow up with their surgeon regularly to monitor their progress and ensure that their palate is healing properly.

Long term (more than 6 months post op):

Your child may need to wear a speech therapy device for several months after surgery to help them develop proper speech patterns. They may also need to have additional surgeries to correct any remaining problems with their palate.

**Full recovery from cleft palate surgery typically takes about 1 year, although some children may take longer to fully heal.