Learn about Cleft Lip Surgery Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cleft Lip Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cleft Lip Surgery

Cleft lip surgery, also known as cheiloplasty, is a specialized reconstructive procedure performed to correct a congenital split or opening in the upper lip. This condition occurs when facial structures do not fuse properly during fetal development. The surgery, typically performed by a general surgeon with expertise in pediatric or plastic surgery, involves carefully realigning the tissues of the lip to create a more normal appearance and function. The primary goals are to close the separation, restore muscle continuity for proper lip movement, and improve the shape of the nose. This procedure is often the first step in a series of treatments for cleft lip and palate, significantly enhancing feeding, speech development, and facial aesthetics. It is usually performed on infants between 3 to 6 months of age, depending on the child's health and the specific nature of the cleft.

Key Highlights

    Corrects a congenital facial deformity to improve appearance and function.Restores muscle continuity for proper lip movement, feeding, and future speech development.Can significantly improve nasal shape and symmetry.Often the first and most critical step in a multidisciplinary treatment plan for cleft conditions.Performed at an early age to optimize healing and developmental outcomes.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of a congenital cleft lip (unilateral or bilateral).
  • Presence of a cleft lip with or without an associated cleft palate.
  • To enable proper feeding and nutrition in an infant.
  • To establish a foundation for normal speech and language development.
  • To improve facial aesthetics and support healthy psychosocial development.

How to prepare

  • A comprehensive pre-operative evaluation by a pediatrician, surgeon, and sometimes an anesthesiologist to ensure the infant is healthy for surgery.
  • Rule of Tens is often used as a guideline: the baby should be at least 10 weeks old, weigh 10 pounds, and have a hemoglobin of 10 g/dL.
  • Pre-operative counseling for parents regarding the procedure, anesthesia, and recovery.
  • Feeding instructions may be adjusted in the days leading up to surgery (e.g., switching to a special cleft feeder).
  • No solid food or milk for a specified period before surgery (clear fluids may be allowed until a few hours prior).

Risks & possible complications

  • Reactions to anesthesia.
  • Bleeding, infection, or poor wound healing at the surgical site.
  • Asymmetry or unsatisfactory aesthetic result, potentially requiring revision surgery.
  • Scarring, though the incision is designed to follow natural lip lines.
  • Nasal deformity or breathing difficulties.
  • Damage to nerves, which could affect lip movement or sensation (usually temporary).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and ensuring the baby can feed safely.
  • Use of arm restraints ("no-no" sleeves) for 1-2 weeks to prevent the baby from touching or rubbing the surgical site.
  • Specialized feeding techniques with a soft-tipped syringe or special bottle to avoid pressure on the lip.
  • Gentle cleansing of the suture line as instructed by the surgical team.
  • Pain is managed with prescribed medications.
  • Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing, remove sutures (if non-dissolvable), and plan for any future procedures.
  • Parents are educated on signs of infection or complications.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: Initial healing: 1-2 weeks; Full recovery and scar maturation: several months to a year

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering cleft lip surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cleft lip surgery compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 870 – USD 2,719 2-4 days ~ Initial healing: 1-2 weeks; Full recovery and scar maturation: several months to a year Know More
Turkey USD 6,442 – USD 20,131 2-4 days ~ Initial healing: 1-2 weeks; Full recovery and scar maturation: several months to a year Know More

Top hospitals for Cleft Lip Surgery in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cleft lip surgery.

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I was a total wreck before...

I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Ram just listened, didn't rush me, and explained everything in a way that actually calmed me down. The hospital is huge and a bit overwhelming, but he made it feel okay. Left feeling like I could breathe again.

General surgeons for Cleft Lip Surgery

Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform cleft lip surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Rajeev Pullagura
  • 18 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

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Dr. Adithya Gk
  • 16 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Madan
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

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Dr. Saumitra Saha
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

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Dr. Nitish Kumar Das
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

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Dr. Sunil Sudarshan Hoskote
  • 18 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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Dr. Sariya M J
  • 9 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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Dr. Lalatendu Mahapatra
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Ramya Ranjan Behera
  • 19 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. S. Dileep
  • 18 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital Vijayawada

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Dr. Saurajit Patnaik
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Rakesh Durkhure
  • 30 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Paritosh S Gupta
  • 26 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Suresh Kumar Chhabra
  • 38 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Bimal Kumar Sahu
  • 19 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. M.A Mir
  • 18 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. C Palanivelu
  • 36 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Perungudi

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Dr. Pinak Dasgupta
  • 22 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: Tamil, English
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Perungudi

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Dr. X. L. Jayanth Leo
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Laparoscopic surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Gem Hospital Perungudi

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Dr. Gautam Chandra
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

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