Cleft Lip Surgery

in San Antonio, Texas

Restoring Function & Appearance

Introduction to Cleft Lip Surgery

A cleft lip can hinder feeding, speech, growth, and even self-confidence. While most will have cleft lip repair as an infant, some may need revisions or surgery later in life to help improve the function of their mouth, symmetry, or just facial balance as they grow.​

At Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Christian Stallworth offers his clients customized cleft lip surgery using advanced techniques to restore appearance and function.

Mature woman with gray hair in blue shirt applying lipstick in natural light, side profile view

What is Cleft Lip Surgery?

Cleft lip surgery repairs or improves a cleft lip, which occurs when the upper lip does not fully form before birth. Depending on the patient, surgery can help with lip symmetry, muscle function, scar appearance, speech, oral function, or facial changes as the face grows.

Dr. Stallworth performs initial and revision cleft lip surgeries. He rebuilds the muscles, skin, and tissues to achieve a natural look and function.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Cleft Lip Surgery?

Cleft lip surgery may be helpful for:

  • Infants requiring primary cleft lip repair
  • Children, adolescents, or adults seeking revision of a previous repair
  • Patients with functional concerns involving speech, eating, or lip movement
  • Individuals bothered by lip asymmetry or visible scarring

What Are the Benefits of Cleft Lip Surgery?

Cleft lip surgery improves how the lip functions and how it looks. Benefits include:

  • Restores a more natural lip appearance as well as symmetry
  • Improves lip function for speaking, eating, and facial expression
  • Refines scars from previous cleft lip repairs when appropriate
  • Increases overall facial balance and harmony
  • Improves confidence and quality of life for many patients

Combining My Cleft Lip Surgery with Other Procedures

Some of Dr. Stallworth’s patients benefit from combining cleft lip surgery with other reconstructive procedures to help them improve their overall facial function and appearance.

Many with a cleft lip also have nasal asymmetry. Cleft rhinoplasty can improve nasal shape and breathing. It additionally enhances facial balance while complementing the lip repair.

Dr Stallworth MD shaking hands with female client in wheelchair during office meeting - Facelift in San Antonio, TX

How to Begin Your Cleft Lip Surgery Journey

Your first step to cleft lip surgery is a consultation at Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX, where Dr. Stallworth will review your facial anatomy, medical history, prior surgeries, and goals to create a customized treatment plan.

At your consultation, you can expect to:

  1. Meet with Dr. Stallworth to discuss your concerns and treatment goals
  2. Have an extensive facial and lip examination performed by Dr. Stallworth
  3. Review prior surgical history and medical records, when applicable
  4. Learn about surgical options, recovery, and expected results
  5. Receive a customized reconstructive treatment plan designed specifically for you

To schedule your cleft lip consultation with Dr. Stallworth, call (210) 997-322.

What to Expect on the Day of Cleft Lip Surgery

On the day of your cleft lip surgery, you will arrive at Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, where Dr. Stallworth and his team will review your treatment plan, answer any final questions, and put you under general anesthesia.

Dr. Stallworth will reconstruct your lip by repositioning and repairing the underlying muscles, skin, and soft tissues. Every incision he makes is planned to help restore the natural lip shape, improve symmetry, and give you a functional repair while minimizing scarring. If your procedure is a revision, he will also address scar tissue, uneven contours, or muscle imbalance from previous repairs.

After your cleft lip surgery, you will be watched in our recovery area before being released to go home.

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Dr Stallworth MD consultating blonde female client during session in professional medical office setting - Doctor in San Antonio, TX

Cleft Lip Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Cleft Lip Surgery Care

Your cleft lip surgery recovery will be based on the extent of reconstruction and whether it is a primary or revision procedure. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected in the first several days, but these should gradually improve during the following weeks.

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Dr. Stallworth will give you detailed instructions for postoperative care that include incision care, activity limits, diet, and follow-up appointments. But most will be able to return to their light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks.

Scar maturation and tissue remodeling continue over several months.

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How Much Does Cleft Lip Surgery Cost in San Antonio, TX?

The cost of cleft lip surgery in San Antonio varies. It depends on the procedure’s complexity, whether it is a primary repair or revision, anesthesia fees, and any additional procedures.

During your consultation at Texas Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stallworth will develop a personalized plan. He will give a detailed cost estimate for your needs. To schedule your cleft lip surgery, call (210) 997-3223 today!

Why Choose Dr. Stallworth?

Dr. Christian Stallworth focuses on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This specialty gives him deep expertise in the complex anatomy of the lips, nose, and face. His reconstructive philosophy is to restore function while creating natural, balanced facial aesthetics for long-term results.​

He is Board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO). Dr. Stallworth is an active member of organizations such as the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), and the Texas Medical Association (TMA).

At Texas Plastic Surgery, he focuses on restoring function first, while refining appearance in a way that remains subtle and natural. Every plan is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and the specifics of their prior repair, rather than taking a standard approach.

Dr Stallworth MD standing in operating room with surgical lights overhead - in San Antonio, TX

Cleft Lip Surgery FAQ’S

  • Dr. Stallworth is truly exceptional.

    I trusted him with my facelift, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. He completely refreshed my appearance, my face looks lifted, youthful, and naturally defined.

    Eman Haswah

  • best patient care by you and the team!!!

    You are the BEST!
    Professional, caring, and best patient care by you and the team!!!

    Gracie Shue

  • “highly recommend her for any plastic surgery you may need”

    Dr Rokosz is one classy person!

    She listens patiently, tells you what you need to hear and does not waver in her stance on things. I asked her opinion on outcome to expect for a procedure i was entertaining to get and I was disappointed in what she said. She understood that it wasn’t what I wanted to hear but she held her ground and was empathetic. It’s hard to want one thing but reality is not always the outcome we want!

    She never makes you feel pressured into any kind of decision and is supportive in helping you figure out what will be best for you! I just love her and highly recommend her for any plastic surgery you may need. I am 3 weeks PO from an arm lift and breast lift …both are doing quite well! As i said ..one classy lady!!

    Melanie Ferguson Strange

Contact Us Today

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re considering cleft lip surgery, the first step is simply sitting down with Dr. Christian Stallworth to talk through your goals and options.

To get started, contact Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX, at (210) 997-3223 to schedule your consultation.