Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
If you do not see your question below, please contact us.
Welcome to the FAQ page of ECLR. On this page, you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cleft lip repair and the ECLR method.
At ECLR, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to children with cleft lip and their families. We understand that you may have many questions about cleft lip, the ECLR method, and the process of coming to our clinic for treatment. That's why we have compiled this list of frequently asked questions to help provide you with the information that you need.
On this page, you will find answers to questions about the causes of cleft lip, the timing of ECLR treatment, the benefits of early intervention, and more. If you don't see the answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to support you and your family every step of the way.
Thank you for visiting our FAQ page. We hope that you will find the information that you need here, and we look forward to working with you and your family to create confident smiles and brighter futures.
+ How early should we contact the ECLR team?
We would like to hear from families as early as possible— the sooner the better. Because cleft lip can be diagnosed during pregnancy, we often work with obstetricians and pediatricians to develop an individualized treatment plan before your baby is even born. Our patients typically have their first ECLR appointment at 2-4 weeks of age, but this ranges up to 10 weeks of age.
+ How do I know if my child is a good candidate for ECLR?
The best way to determine this is to schedule an electronic consultation with us, which begins with filling out the form on our Contact page. In most instances, you will receive a reply within the same day. Once we have information about your child’s medical history as well as a photo or video of the cleft lip, our surgeons will be able to help provide more guidance.
+ Does my child have to be part of a research study in order to undergo ECLR?
Absolutely not. Participation in our research studies is entirely optional and is not a prerequisite for undergoing ECLR. Your decision whether or not to enroll your child in research does not affect the medical care they will receive.
+ How much does ECLR cost?
To learn more about surgery, including cost, please fill out the form on our Contact page. Our team can assist families in determining whether ECLR is covered by their insurance policy.
+ How long is the ECLR surgery?
The average length of the surgery is 2-3 hours.
+ What are the most common complications with ECLR?
While complications can arise with ECLR (as with any surgery), they are uncommon in our experience. The complication rate of ECLR is similar to traditionally-timed cleft lip repair. Possible issues that arise after surgery include infection, bleeding, irregular scar healing, residual asymmetry, and rarely, reopening of the surgical incision.
+ For how long do we stay in Los Angeles?
We recommend a stay of at least 9 days. Surgery is typically scheduled 2-3 days after the initial in-person appointment. A post-operative check takes place 5-6 days after surgery before patients are sent home. For families flying to Los Angeles, a liaison from our team can assist with coordinating all travel and accommodation plans.