When do we need to see a plastic surgeon that specializes in the repair of Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate in baby (craniofacial surgeon)? Will the surgeon show me pictures of children with this deformity who have had the repair procedure(s)?

When the diagnosis is made, often based on a prenatal ultrasound, the parents should seek the advice and consultation of a craniofacial/cleft surgeon. This allows the family to be prepared for the delivery and to get most of their questions answered prior to the hustle and bustle of the postnatal period.

The surgeon should see the infant at two weeks’ discharge from the hospital for a complete examination to evaluate the presence of other problems. A surgeon should be able to show before and after pictures of surgeries he or she has performed. Additionally, many practices can get you in touch with parents of other children with cleft lip and/or palate deformities so that you can get the information you need on a parent-to-parent basis.