The palate is repaired between 6 to 12 months of age. Previously the trend was to do the operation at the age of 18 months. Research has shown that such surgery if done before the age of 1 year, the chances of a good speech are better.

The operation for the cleft palate should be considered a major one. This operation is done under general anesthesia.

Again the plastic surgeon raises the surrounding skin according to a complex design. The flaps of skin are then closed. Palate stitches do not require removal. They come out on their own after 2 weeks. The dressing that is applied inside could be of absorbable type, which does not require removal or it may be of non absorbable type that is pulled out without any need for anesthesia after about 7 - 10 days.

The air passage of the child is narrowed due to operation and due to swelling of the upper air passage. The child's breath may run faster than normal for about a day. If child is sleeping soon after operation, the tongue may fall back and cause obstruction of the air passage. To prevent this, the tongue is pulled out with the help of a stitch. This stitch is removed once the child is fully conscious.

For 2 weeks after the surgery, the child is to be given only milk and other clear liquids. Other food may create problem with the stitches. It is essential to give good amount of water soon after the child completes feeding to prevent milk residues from sticking to the palate. After 2 weeks, the plastic surgeon will give you feeding advice after examining the child.