Craniofacial surgery is term that describes several surgical procedures used to correct issues with the head, skull, face and neck.
What are the benefits of craniofacial surgery?
Craniofacial surgery reconstructs damaged bone and tissue and improves the appearance of disfigured areas of the face and head. For children with craniofacial anomalies, early surgery can minimize the impact of these conditions on growth, development, and function.
Who needs craniofacial surgery?
There are typically two groups of people who may need craniofacial surgery. The first group includes those who are born with abnormalities of the bones, muscles and other tissues of the skull and face. The issues this group faces are called congenital abnormalities.
The other group includes those who develop irregularities in the skill and face later in life, often through diseases or trauma. The issues this group faces are called acquired abnormalities.
What conditions are treated with craniofacial surgery?
The most common conditions requiring craniofacial surgery are cleft lip and cleft palate.
Other congenital and acquired conditions that are treated with craniofacial surgery include:
- Craniosynostosis
- Pierre Robin syndrome
- Treacher Collins syndrome
- Crouzons syndrome
- Aperts syndrome
- Craniofacial trauma
- Jaw deformities
- Facial and jaw tumors
