The goal of cleft lip surgery is to restore normal appearance and function to the upper lip. Cleft lip surgery is usually recommended at three to four months of life. In most cases, the tissue in the area around the cleft is rearranged to close the opening.The goal of cleft lip surgery is to close the gap in your child's lip and improve the shape and appearance of their upper lip and nose.Children with a cleft lip or palate will need several treatments and assessments as they grow up. A cleft is usually treated with surgery.The goal of cleft lip surgery is to close the separation in the lip and to provide a more normal function, structure and appearance to the upper lip.Surgery to repair a cleft of the lip or palate is highly individualized. Surgery is intended to close the cleft defect.