CLEFT LIP & PALATE
Cleft lip and palate is one of the most frequent conditions treated in craniofacial surgery and requires a multidisciplinary approach to address different entities of the problem.
VELOPHARYNGEAL (VPI) SURGERY
VPI, or velopharyngeal incompetency, consists of air escape through the nose and therefore, normal speech sounds cannot be made. VPI is first treated by a speech therapist at the time of speech development.
ORTHOGNACTIC SURGERY
The goal of orthognatic (jaw) surgery is to achieve the best dental bite and aesthetic appearance. Jaw surgery is recommended for patients with dentofacial deformities that cannot be corrected by orthodontics alone.
CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS
Craniosynostosis is a premature closure of the skull sutures and may cause brain developmental issues. Early diagnosis of such condition is important to avoid late sequala in the brain development.
HEMIFACIAL MICROSOMIA
Hemifacial microsomia and Goldenhar syndrome are two disorders that fall within a wider range of conditions known as craniofacial microsomia. Craniofacial refers to the structures of the skull and face, and microsomia refers to parts of the body that are smaller than standard.
TREACHER COLLINS
Affecting the formation of facial structures, Treacher Collins syndrome is an uncommon disorder. This abnormality tends to result from sporadic gene mutation; however, there is evidence of genetic markers, and these birth defects can run in families, as well.
FIBROUS DYSPLASIA
Fibrous dysplasia is a condition that affects the skeleton and can typically be detected early in childhood. It is usually characterized by jaw swelling. In some cases, the condition may cause the teeth to separate, and the area may seem severely disfigured.
ENCEPHALOCELE
An encephalocele is a rare birth defect. It occurs when a developing baby’s skull does not close completely. As a result, part of the baby’s brain may extend through the hole in the skull. The membrane that covers the brain, spinal cord, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may protrude, as well.