Congenital Craniofacial Deformity Surgery

Facial Skeletal Reconstruction

Correcting underdevelopment and bony deformity of the face and jaws to restore facial balance and improve function.

Overview

Some children are born with underdevelopment of one or more facial bones, such as the lower or upper jaw, the cheekbone or the orbital rims. The face may look uneven, and chewing, breathing and the bite may be affected.

Reconstruction replaces the missing bone and brings the skeleton closer to a normal form, using bone grafts, gradual bone lengthening (distraction osteogenesis) or patient-specific implants, according to age and stage of growth.

Who May Benefit

Children and adults with congenital underdevelopment of the facial bones or jaws
Patients with marked facial asymmetry caused by bone
Patients with breathing or chewing problems related to small jaws
Patients who need reconstruction completed after previous surgery

Conditions Treated

Mandibular or maxillary hypoplasia
Zygomatic and orbital rim hypoplasia
Hemifacial microsomia
Skeletal deficiency in craniofacial syndromes

Diagnosis

Assessment includes a full clinical examination of the face and bite, standardised photographs and 3D CT imaging to define which bones are deficient and by how much. In children, expected growth is assessed, as it determines the timing and method of surgery.

Treatment Planning

Treatment is often staged to match the child's growth and may require more than one operation. Bone grafts, distraction osteogenesis and patient-specific implants are chosen according to the site and size of the deficiency and the patient's age. Care is coordinated with the orthodontist and other specialties when needed.

Virtual Planning

3D Planning

Bone movements and the shape of grafts or implants are simulated on a 3D model from CT imaging, and custom surgical guides and implants may be designed to transfer the plan precisely to the operating room.

Surgical Overview

Techniques vary: transferring bone from the hip, rib or skull to fill the deficiency; cutting and gradually lengthening the bone with a distraction device activated daily over several weeks; or fixing a custom implant shaped to the planned contour. Incisions are placed inside the mouth or in hidden sites where possible, under general anaesthesia.

Recovery

Recovery varies widely by procedure. Swelling is common in the first weeks, with a soft diet and careful oral hygiene. Distraction requires daily device activation and regular reviews, followed by a consolidation period before the device is removed.

Risks & Considerations

All surgery carries risk. Potential risks are discussed in detail during consultation, and may include:

Swelling and bruising
Infection
Partial resorption of the bone graft
Altered sensation of the lip, chin or cheek
Asymmetry or need for further adjustment
Pain or a mark at the graft donor site
Need for later surgery as growth continues

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one operation enough?

In many congenital conditions, reconstruction is staged to match the child's growth. The overall plan and its expected stages are explained from the start.

What is the difference between a bone graft and distraction?

A graft moves bone from another site to fill the deficiency, while distraction stimulates the bone and surrounding tissues to grow gradually. The choice depends on the size and site of the deficiency and the patient's age.

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.

Discuss your options with Dr. Bakri

A consultation is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and an individual plan.

Request a Consultation