A recent study highlights parents’ genetic disorders and environmental upbringing could be one of the major reasons why their newborns are born with Cleft Palate disorders. Getting done with important tests and vaccinations helps bridge the barrier between your genetic diseases inherited by your offspring. If you have a child who is registered for Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery; read ahead and explore How Can You Manage Swelling and Bruising After Palate Repair Surgery.
What causes a Palate?
It is a physical abnormality that is present by birth and is often caused during the 3rd month of pregnancy. This is a medical condition that looks like a crack, or torn upper lip. What happens is that – when a fetus fails to develop certain tissues that infuse the lips together, a lip-cracking deformation takes place inside the womb; which is known as Cleft Lips or Palates.
How Can You Manage Swelling and Bruising After Palate Repair Surgery?
During the initial phase palate repair surgery, the child will face discomfort for a week or two. Therefore, it is very important that the parents follow the aftercare strategies to manage the swelling and bruising after the surgical episode.
Ice packs
Gently applying cold compressors will naturally take your child’s mind off the pain. It also calms down inflammation and eventually soothes the discomfort. Do this for the early 24-48 hours, 4-5 times a day, in short intervals of 15-minute breaks.
Prescribed Medication
Anti-inflammatory pain relaxants are provided that are safe for the young ones. These will do the trick and manage the aftereffects of the surgery while promoting swift healing.
Restricting head position
Make sure to place quite a few softer pillows or cushions underneath the baby’s head for improved elevated resting and sleeping positions to help with their head formation, and restrict them from falling on their face.
Feeding
Pacifiers and Breastfeeding won’t be doable until recovery – you can spoon-feed your baby with milk and water, and make sure they are also getting their burps. Furthermore, if the child is older than 1 year or more, make sure to feed them softer and semi-liquid meals with adequate water intake.
Hydration
Keeping your child well-hydrated is going to ensure their smooth recovery. Taking a leak from time to time will clear out toxins, and speed up the healing process.
Wound Care
Taking care of the wounds is very important, it will relax the inflammation and tame the soreness in no time. The good thing about infants is that their pain memory is short – scars and wound recovery are short-lived when you disinfect the surgical site and follow all hygiene protocols for your child’s safety.
Follow-up Appointment
Make sure to get frequent monitoring, it will prevent risks of infections or further complications associated with the recovery phase, such as redness, bruises, discharges, etc. In case mild to moderate fever symptoms occur, consult with a doctor immediately.
Do not touch or apply pressure
Use a soft damp cloth to clean the teeth, gums, and lips. Avoid rubbing or touching the wounds with dirty fingers. Enforcing pressure can break the sutures and lead to bleeding or bruising; so make sure to use gentle hands.
Breathing and Vital Signs
During the initial check-ups, a baby can be kept under observation, or sent home with an oxygen mask – so parents must monitor their child’s breathing, and report back any abnormality during this critical period.
FAQs
How long is the hospital stay?
Some infants are kept under observation for 1-2 days, however, typically it’s a 1-3 days stay.
When are the stitches taken out?
These are dissolving stitches that fall off on their own after 8 to 10 days.
How does the infant react to the discomfort?
Even under anesthetic effects, the child is going to feel cranky and uncomfortable.
How long does it take to heal the wounds?
It typically takes 2-3 weeks to heal naturally, without pausing the medication for the time being.
How to tell a child is recovering?
Check out their diapers, if it gets wetter with the passing days; your child is on their way to a successful recovery.
How is a wet diaper related to recovery?
It indicates hydration, which means the body is healing up naturally. Make sure to feed the infant within 8 hours; or as required.
What are the results?
The results are permanent and last a lifetime. There are no abnormalities left on the lower face, even dental complications are treated during the surgery.
Book an Appointment!
If you have further inquiries about How Can You Manage Swelling and Bruising After Palate Repair Surgery Feel free to sign up for a consultation today! Or call our hotline to schedule your appointment with the best healthcare providers at Enfield Royal Clinic.
