Cleft palate repair is typically performed at approximately what age?

• A. Birth
• B. 6 to 12 months
• C. 2 to 3 years
• D. 5 to 7 years

Answer: (B)

Timing a cleft palate repair is about restoring the palate’s function in time to support normal feeding and, crucially, speech development, while allowing tissues to heal appropriately. Performing the repair around six to twelve months of age hits that balance. At this age, infants are developmentally ready for surgery, anesthesia safety is favorable, and the tissues are suitable for a durable closure that promotes proper velopharyngeal function. Doing it at birth is too early for effective closure and healing, and waiting until after the first year—especially beyond 2 years—can impede speech development and lead to compensatory articulation patterns and other dental or facial-growth issues. Thus, six to twelve months is the typical window.