When is cleft lip repair typically performed in infants?

• A. Usually around 3 months of age
• B. Usually around 9–18 months
• C. At birth
• D. At 2–3 years

Answer: (A)

The timing being tested is when cleft lip repair is typically done in infants. The best choice is around three months of age. Doing the lip repair at this time balances safety with optimal functional outcomes: tissue is still pliable enough to achieve a good closure, anesthesia risk is lower than in the newborn period, and repairing the lip early supports feeding, easier parental bonding, and helps reduce nasal deformity that can affect eating and breathing. Waiting longer can lead to more scar formation and potential effects on facial growth and development, while doing it at birth is often not feasible because the tissues aren’t yet ideal for a reliable repair and anesthesia risk is higher. Also, cleft palate repairs are usually planned later (often around 9–18 months), so the lip is repaired earlier to address lip function and appearance without delaying palate management.