Cleft lip & Palate Repair Surgery | University Clinic Rechts der Isar Munich

At the University Hospital Rechts der Isar in Munich, the treatment of a cleft lip and palate is viewed as a life-changing journey that blends the precision of microsurgery with the delicate artistry of facial aesthetics. Within our department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, led by internationally recognized academic surgeons, we provide a comprehensive "Cleft Center" approach. For parents and patients visiting Munich, this means access to a highly coordinated multidisciplinary team that designs every surgical step, from the initial lip closure to complex palate reconstruction, to ensure optimal speech development, natural facial growth, and a confident smile. The surgical philosophy at Rechts der Isar centers on the "functional primary closure. " Our surgeons prioritize the anatomical realignment of the underlying musculature, not just the skin. During a cleft lip repair (cheiloplasty), typically performed within the first few months of life, we utilize magnifying loupes and micro-instruments to reconstruct the "orbicularis oris" muscle. This ensures that the lip not only looks natural at rest but also functions perfectly during smiling and speaking. By using tension-free suturing techniques and internal dissolving stitches, we minimize post-operative scarring, allowing the child's face to develop with a symmetry that often makes the initial cleft nearly invisible by school age. The reconstruction of the palate, or palatoplasty, is a sophisticated procedure aimed at creating a functional "velopharyngeal" seal, which is essential for clear speech and preventing food from entering the nasal cavity. At Rechts der Isar, our specialists utilize a "double-opposing Z-plasty" or similar advanced flap techniques to lengthen the soft palate and reposition the tiny muscles responsible for speech. Because our clinic is part of a leading University Hospital, we integrate computer-aided 3D planning for cases involving the alveolar bone (the gum line). This allows us to determine the optimal timing and volume for bone grafting, ensuring that permanent teeth have a solid foundation to erupt. The care at Rechts der Isar extends far beyond the operating room through our interdisciplinary cleft team. During your stay in Munich, your child is supported by specialized pediatric anesthesiologists, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists who monitor middle-ear health, and expert speech therapists. We understand that the nutritional intake of an infant with a cleft is a primary concern for parents; therefore, our specialized nursing staff provides intensive "Feeding Management" training, utilizing specialized teats and techniques to ensure healthy weight gain before and after the procedure. Our technical and clinical framework for cleft care at Rechts der Isar includes high-resolution 3D facial scanning for objective growth monitoring and microsurgical suites equipped for the most delicate pediatric interventions. We also offer secondary "refinement surgeries," such as cleft rhinoplasty (nose correction) and orthognathic surgery (jaw alignment), for older teenagers to ensure a harmonious facial profile. Choosing the University Hospital Rechts der Isar means entrusting your child’s future to a center where academic innovation and compassionate care converge to turn a congenital challenge into a story of surgical success.