Congenital Craniofacial Deformity Surgery
Complex Craniofacial Reconstruction
Correcting congenital deformities involving the skull, mid-face and orbits, in collaboration with related medical specialties.
Overview
Complex craniofacial conditions are congenital differences involving several regions at once: the skull, mid-face, orbits and jaws. They may be part of recognised syndromes or occur in isolation.
Treatment requires a multidisciplinary team including neurosurgery, ophthalmology, ENT, anaesthesia and orthodontics, with a staged plan from childhood until growth is complete.
Who May Benefit
- Children born with skull and facial deformities
- Patients with widely spaced or asymmetric orbits
- Patients with craniofacial syndromes needing staged reconstruction
- Teenagers and adults completing correction after childhood surgery
Conditions Treated
- Craniosynostosis
- Craniofacial syndromes such as Crouzon and Apert
- Orbital hypertelorism
- Treacher Collins syndrome
- Congenital craniofacial asymmetry
Diagnosis
Assessment includes a full multidisciplinary review, 3D CT imaging of the skull and face, and evaluation of the eyes, airway and intracranial pressure when needed. Genetic counselling may be offered.
Treatment Planning
Priorities are set by what threatens function first, such as protecting the brain, eyes and airway, with form-related reconstruction completed in stages. The expected timeline and each specialty's role are discussed with the family.
Virtual Planning
3D Planning
Osteotomies and movements of the skull, mid-face and orbits are planned on 3D models, and anatomical models and surgical guides may be printed to transfer the plan precisely to the operating room.
Surgical Overview
Depending on the condition, surgery may include cranial vault remodelling with neurosurgery, correction of orbital spacing, mid-face advancement, or reconstruction of the cheekbones and orbits with bone grafts or patient-specific implants. Incisions are usually hidden in the scalp or inside the mouth, under general anaesthesia.
Recovery
Patients are usually monitored in intensive care after major surgery, then on the ward for several days. Facial and eyelid swelling is common in the first week and settles gradually, with regular team follow-up over years.
Risks & Considerations
All surgery carries risk. Potential risks are discussed in detail during consultation, and may include:
- Bleeding and need for blood transfusion
- Infection
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak — uncommon
- Change in eye position or double vision
- Partial recurrence with growth
- Need for further surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is involved in treating these conditions?
A multidisciplinary team including maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, ENT, anaesthesia and orthodontics, with each specialty responsible for its part of care.
How many operations will be needed?
This varies. Many patients need more than one staged operation in line with growth, and the expected plan is explained to the family from the start.
The information on this website is for general educational purposes and does not replace a consultation. Suitability for any procedure, and its potential benefits and risks, can only be determined following an individual clinical assessment. Individual results vary.
Related Procedures
- Midface Advancement (Le Fort III)Correcting mid-face retrusion in some craniofacial syndromes to improve mid-face projection and balance, which may also help breathing or protect the eyes.
- Facial Skeletal ReconstructionCorrecting underdevelopment and bony deformity of the face and jaws to restore facial balance and improve function.
- Virtual Surgical PlanningThree-dimensional analysis and simulation of jaw and facial surgery on a digital model of the patient’s anatomy.
Discuss your options with Dr. Bakri
A consultation is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and an individual plan.