This service involves repairing a split or opening in the lip and/or palate (roof of the mouth) that is present at birth. Cleft surgery can improve your child’s appearance, eating, drinking, breathing, hearing and speech. Cleft surgery usually starts when your child is 3 to 6 months old for cleft lip and around 12 months old for cleft palate. Your child may need more than one surgery depending on the type and severity of the cleft.