Imagine a smile that had to wait a little longer to shine fully. For many babies born with cleft lips, that’s exactly the journey they begin. But thanks to the wonders of modern medicine and the compassion of expert surgeons, that smile doesn’t have to wait forever. If you’re looking for trusted, expert care for cleft lip surgery in Kerala, you’re in the right place. And we’re going to tell you why Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Thrissur, stands out as a top destination for this life-changing treatment.
Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible. No jargon, no fluff—just real information, heartfelt stories, and practical advice.
First, What is a Cleft Lip?
A cleft lip is a common birth condition where a baby is born with a gap in the upper lip. This can be a small notch or a wide opening that connects to the nose. It often occurs along with a cleft palate, which is a gap in the roof of the mouth. These conditions happen when the baby’s facial structures don’t fully come together during pregnancy.
It may look like just a physical issue, but a cleft lip can affect everything from feeding and speech to self-esteem and social confidence. And that’s why timely surgery is so important.
Why Surgery is the Key
Cleft lip surgery is more than just a cosmetic fix—it’s a life-enhancing procedure. It helps restore the normal function of the lips, improves speech development, makes eating and breathing easier, and, of course, boosts confidence by giving your child a beautiful, complete smile.
Surgery is typically done when the baby is around 3 to 6 months old, depending on their health and weight. The earlier it’s done (safely), the better the results in most cases.
Kerala – A Rising Hub for Cleft Lip Surgery
Kerala isn’t just about serene backwaters and Ayurvedic wellness. It’s quickly becoming one of the leading states in India for advanced medical treatments. When it comes to cleft lip surgery in Kerala, patients from across the state and even neighboring regions are now choosing centers that offer world-class plastic surgery services—centers like Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Thrissur.
Meet the Experts at Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Let’s talk about why Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (SIPRAS) is a top choice.
Founded in 2007 and housed within Elite Mission Hospital in Koorkenchery, Thrissur, SIPRAS is now Kerala’s largest and most advanced plastic surgery department. With a team of seven consultant plastic surgeons who work together on every case, the institute brings unmatched expertise in cleft lip and craniofacial surgeries.
The surgical team follows a collaborative approach, which means every case gets reviewed by multiple specialists. This ensures the best surgical plan is made for each individual child. The institute’s infrastructure includes:
Two dedicated plastic surgery operation theatres
Two state-of-the-art microsurgery suites
High-precision surgical tools from Carl Zeiss
24/7 emergency and post-op care availability
In short: Your child is in safe hands.
A Friendly Experience for Families
One of the best things parents love about SIPRAS is the warm and friendly environment. Let’s face it—surgery for your little one can be a scary experience. But the staff here make sure you never feel alone. From the first consultation to the final follow-up visit, you’re guided every step of the way.
Nurses, speech therapists, pediatricians, and plastic surgeons all work together to ensure your child receives holistic care—not just a surgery, but full rehabilitation support.
EMI Options – Because Finances Shouldn’t Stop a Smile
Let’s talk about something important—money. Many families delay or avoid cleft lip surgery because of financial stress. That’s heartbreaking, because every child deserves the chance to smile with confidence.
Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery understands this. That’s why they offer EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) options to make surgery affordable. You don’t need to pay everything at once. With EMI, you can pay in smaller, more manageable parts over time.
You’ll get assistance from the billing team to understand your options, whether you’re paying out of pocket or using insurance. This kind of flexibility is a huge relief for families—especially when timing is critical for surgery.
What Happens Before, During, and After Surgery?
Here’s a simple timeline of what you can expect if you choose SIPRAS for your child’s cleft lip surgery.
Pre-Surgery
A full health assessment of your child
Nutritional guidance (especially if feeding is difficult)
Speech therapy if required
Detailed consultation with the surgical team
Surgery Day
Typically performed under general anesthesia
Duration: Around 1-2 hours
Highly trained anesthetists and nursing staff ensure safety and comfort
Post-Surgery
Monitoring in a child-friendly recovery room
Pain management and antibiotic care
Discharge usually within 2-3 days
Follow-up visits for stitches and healing check-ups
Long-term speech therapy support if needed
SIPRAS provides all this under one roof, so you’re not running from one hospital to another for different services.
Why Choose SIPRAS?
Let’s wrap up everything we’ve talked about into a few powerful reasons:
Top Expertise: Seven dedicated plastic surgeons with years of experience in cleft and craniofacial surgery.
Advanced Technology: Dual microsurgery suites, Carl Zeiss optics, child-safe anesthesia protocols.
Team-Based Care: Multidisciplinary support including pediatricians, speech therapists, and dieticians.
Family-Friendly Environment: Compassionate staff, simple explanations, handholding through every step.
EMI Support: Easy payment options so no child is left behind due to financial hurdles.
Long-Term Partnership: Ongoing care, follow-up, speech support, and developmental tracking.
Thrissur-Based Access: Conveniently located in central Kerala, making it easy for families across the state to reach.
Want to Talk to an Expert?
If you’re looking for cleft lip surgery in Kerala, now’s the time to reach out. Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or have been searching for the right center, Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery is here to support you.
You can call or message them directly at:
+91 8075763612
Elite Mission Hospital, Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Kerala – 680007
Meet Our Experts
DR ANILJITH
DR ANTO FRANCIS
DR PRADEEP KUMAR
Dr Jyoshid R Balan
Dr Vinu Roy
Dr Ajai K S
Dr Prince H P
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a cleft lip and how does it present?
A cleft lip is a congenital opening in the upper lip caused by facial tissues not fusing properly during development. It can occur on one side, both sides, or in the center, and often accompanies a cleft palate, affecting feeding, speech, and ear health.
2. Why should I consider Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery for cleft lip surgery in Kerala?
Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery is Kerala’s largest dedicated plastic surgery department, featuring a team of seven specialist surgeons, two dedicated OTs, dual microsurgery suites, Carl Zeiss optics, and 24×7 tertiary care.
3. At what age is cleft lip surgery typically performed at Sushrutha Institute?
Most cleft lip repairs at Sushrutha Institute are scheduled between 3–6 months of age, following safety guidelines like the “Rule of 10” (10 weeks old, 10 lbs weight, hemoglobin ≥ 10 g/dL) for optimal anesthesia and healing.
4. How long does recovery take after cleft lip surgery at Sushrutha Institute?
Children usually return to normal activity within one week, with incision healing over 3–4 weeks. Hospital stays range from 2–4 days, and full scar maturation can take several months to a year.
5. What are the common risks and complications of cleft lip repair at Sushrutha Institute?
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, anesthesia-related issues, and irregular scarring (hypertrophic or keloid). Rarely, minor asymmetry may require a revision procedure.
6. Does Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery offer EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) options for cleft lip surgery?
Yes—Sushrutha Institute provides flexible EMI plans to help families spread the cost of surgery over several months, ensuring financial constraints don’t delay essential treatment.
7. Will my child need speech therapy after cleft lip surgery at Sushrutha Institute?
Many children benefit from post-operative speech therapy, especially if a cleft palate is involved. Sushrutha Institute coordinates with expert speech therapists to support normal speech development.
8. How many follow‑up visits are required post‑surgery at Sushrutha Institute?
Standard follow‑up visits occur at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery, with annual reviews throughout childhood to monitor growth and address any needed refinements.
9. What facilities and technologies does Sushrutha Institute use for cleft lip repair?
The institute boasts two dedicated plastic surgery operating theatres, two microsurgery suites, Carl Zeiss high‑magnification optics, and round‑the‑clock specialist availability for precise, safe repairs.
10. How should I prepare my baby for cleft lip surgery at Sushrutha Institute?
Preparation includes health clearance to rule out infections, following fasting guidelines (e.g., breast milk up to 4 hrs pre-op), and bringing familiar items like a blanket and front‑fastening outfits. Parents receive thorough pre‑op guidance on care and expectations.
