Pain control
Give paracetamol as required for pain. Avoid aspirin. Your child
may seem more "clingy" than usual due to mild discomfort and a
change in his/her routine. Tender loving care is recommended.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures (stitches) are used under the skin to hold
the lip together and the top layer of skin is held together with
special glue. Do not apply ointments or creams to the wound. Do not
apply any pressure to the area.
Diet
Fluids and soft diet. Your child can eat and drink using the
same method as used prior to the surgery. Do not allow fizzy drinks
or objects to be placed inside the mouth (including straws,
dummies).
Medical attention
Seek medical attention if your child has:
- Increasing pain or pain not relieved by medication
- Persistent fever
- General unwellness
- Wound discharge
- Poor oral intake/feeding
Follow-up
A review appointment should be made to see a doctor within two
weeks; after this you will be seen in our Cleft Clinic in a few
months.
Contact
Pru Talbot (Cleft Co-ordinator) - 9345 6595
Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 6583
Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345
5522
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Speech Pathology and Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed November 2015.
Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.