A cleft lip is a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip, and a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth.

The exact cause is often unknown, but it can result from genetic and environmental factors, including family history, maternal smoking, diabetes, and certain medications during pregnancy.

Cleft lip repair is typically performed at around 3 months of age, and cleft palate repair is usually done between 10 and 12 months of age.

Cleft lip repair usually takes 2 to 3 hours, and cleft palate repair can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Recovery includes managing pain, preventing infection, and ensuring proper healing. Stitches usually dissolve on their own, and follow-up visits are necessary to monitor progress