Specialist surgeon for cleft lip and palate in Barcelona
A comprehensive approach to restoring appearance and function at every stage of development, for patients and families from across Spain and Europe.
A career at the service of people born with cleft lip and palate
More than 100 surgeries a year support the experience of Dr. Nico Sierra, who guides each patient from the very first moment with a fully personalised treatment plan, designed to meet their aesthetic, functional and emotional needs at every stage of development.
A national and international reference in reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate, he uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to restore the appearance and function of the face, supporting a faster and more comfortable recovery. His approach brings together and coordinates the different medical and dental specialties involved at each phase, individually and with the rigour that every case requires.
He is also a reference specialist for those seeking to correct the after-effects of previous treatment. With broad experience in highly complex cases, his aim is always the same: to give back facial harmony, function and, above all, confidence and self-esteem to patients of all ages.
- Experience makes the difference.More than 100 surgeries performed every year.
- Advanced training.Fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery and Cleft Lip and Palate.
- Advanced, minimally invasive techniquesSurgical excellence with maximum comfort.
- Expert in Revision SurgeryIt is never too late to look and feel better.
- Care without bordersInternationally recognised surgery in Barcelona.
- Educator, Speaker and Co-authorSharing knowledge to improve patient care around the world.
Guiding you at every stage
Treatment of cleft lip and palate is planned and carried out in a fully individualised way. Not every patient will need the same procedures, or at the same time. For this reason, every treatment decision is adapted to the needs of each patient. We guide the patient and their family from birth to adulthood with a long-term vision: to restore function and facial harmony, support appropriate facial growth and help each patient reach their full potential.
Revision Surgery
Aesthetic and/or functional correction of after-effects (speech, breathing, feeding).
View →Every patient and every family is unique.
That is why our approach to cleft lip and palate is comprehensive, personalised and with you at every stage of development.
Under the direction of Dr. Nico Sierra, we work in a coordinated way with trusted specialists, both in Barcelona and where the patient lives, to plan each phase of treatment and align surgical and non-surgical decisions with each person's real needs at each moment.
The goal: a full life without aesthetic, functional or psychosocial difficulties.
What every family wants to know.
What exactly is cleft lip and palate?
Cleft lip and palate is a congenital condition in which the lip, the palate, or both, do not close completely during fetal development. It can appear as a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both together, on one side or on both sides. At Dr. Nico Sierra we dedicate our entire surgical practice to the comprehensive treatment of this condition, from prenatal diagnosis to revision surgery in adulthood.
When is the right time for the first surgery?
The timing of the first surgery for cleft lip and palate follows a schedule adapted to each baby's development. The classic surgical schedule includes cleft lip reconstruction at around 3–6 months of age and cleft palate closure at 9–12 months, provided the baby meets the necessary weight and health requirements. Dr. Nico Sierra assesses each case individually: for patients who arrive after previous NAM treatment or with particular conditions, the plan is adapted so as always to seek the best possible functional and aesthetic result in cleft lip and palate.
My child or I have already had surgery. Can the result be improved?
Revision surgery for cleft lip and palate can significantly improve the results of previous procedures. Many teenagers and adults with cleft lip and palate come to us seeking to improve the outcome of earlier surgery: lip asymmetries, visible scars, associated nasal irregularity, bite problems or functional after-effects. The first step is always a complete assessment, to understand what can realistically be improved and to design an honest, personalised plan.
We live outside Spain. Can you see us?
Families who live outside Spain make up a significant part of Dr. Nico Sierra's patients: they come to Barcelona specifically for his specialisation in cleft lip and palate. The first consultation can be done remotely, the surgery takes place at an accredited centre in Barcelona, and follow-up can be in person or remote. The length of stay and the follow-up depend on each case. We will guide you through every step, whatever language you speak. Language is never a barrier.
Why choose a surgeon dedicated exclusively to cleft lip and palate?
Cleft lip and palate requires a high volume of cases and sustained attention over time to achieve consistent results. Dr. Nico Sierra has made cleft lip and palate the sole focus of his practice: every technical decision, every protocol and every part of his continuing training is directed towards one thing. That dedication is what allows him to offer families a level of care that is hard to find in general surgery practices.
Is it worth choosing a private specialist for cleft lip and palate surgery?
Cleft lip and palate can be operated on within the public health system. However, results depend directly on the specific experience of the surgical team and on the volume of cases they treat routinely. A specialist dedicated exclusively to cleft lip and palate, with more than 100 surgeries a year, offers a level of technical refinement and multidisciplinary planning that is not always available in general surgery. The results of the first surgery shape every stage that follows — and in many cases, a first surgery done well avoids multiple revision procedures over a lifetime.
Close, personalised and coordinated care
From the first contact and at every stage of the process.
See the full process →- 01
Tell us your case
Send us a message and tell us why you are seeking a consultation. Dr. Nico Sierra will personally review your case and, within approximately 24 hours, you will receive all the information you need to prepare and schedule your first consultation.
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Personalised consultation
You can come to a consultation in Barcelona, or have it remotely from wherever you are if you do not live here. We will analyse your case in detail, answer all your questions and design a treatment plan that is clear, honest and adapted to your needs, with no commitment.
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Your surgery in Barcelona: with you before, during and after
We will guide you through every stage of the process, from preparing for surgery to recovery. Before the operation, you will receive all the information you need to approach it calmly and with confidence. The surgery takes place at an accredited centre with the highest standards of quality and safety. Afterwards, we will teach you the care you need and follow your progress closely, so that you feel supported throughout your recovery. The first consultation can be done remotely, and the length of stay and the follow-up depend on each case.
Day to day in the clinic
Cases, training and education on cleft lip and palate that Dr. Nico Sierra shares on Instagram (posts in Spanish).
