Pediatric Craniomaxillofacial surgery is a super specialty branch of Maxillofacial surgery dealing with deformities associated with the face, upper jaw, lower jaw, chin & teeth.
Craniomaxillofacial surgery follows a multidisciplinary approach, wherein many specialists like Plastic surgeons, Dermatologists , Psychiatrists & Maxillofacial surgeon in Bangalore work together to get the best possible cosmetic & functional results so that individuals will get a pleasing & attractive face.
FAQs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
What is Pediatric Craniosynostosis?
The skull is formed by several separate bones. These skull bones are connected by specialized structures called sutures. These sutures look like seams or spaces between the skull bones. The sutures are growth centers for the skull bones. Craniosynostosis is present when one or more of the sutures closes earlier than it should cause the skull to grow into an abnormal shape.
Babies' brains grow very quickly in the first two years of life. As the brain grows it stretches the sutures which signal the sutures to make new bone. The sutures allow the skull to enlarge and create just enough space for the brain. Normally, these sutures remain open until we reach adulthood, long after the brain and skull have stopped growing. Craniosynostosis causes a baby’s skull to misshapen because the brain continues to grow at the same rate even if one or more sutures close too early.
The remaining open sutures have to grow faster to make up for the closed suture. This extra growth causes a change in head shape. In some cases, the remaining open sutures can’t grow fast enough to keep up with the brain’s growth causing abnormally high pressure in the skull, which can have negative effects on brain health. These include learning delays, blindness, and, rarely, death, if untreated.
What are the signs & symptoms of Pediatric Craniosynostosis
Following are the common signs and symptoms of pediatric craniosynostosis.
- An abnormal feeling or disappearing fontanel (soft spot on the top of the head)
- Asymmetrical, misshapen skull
- Development of a raised, hard ridge along with the skull
- Slow or no growth of the head as the baby grows
These conditions can be corrected with surgery and can restore.
When should I consider seeing a craniomaxillofacial surgeon?
If you experience any abnormalities related to facial or skeletal alignment, you should consider seeing a craniomaxillofacial surgeon. These issues can affect your jawline, eating habits, physical growth, and mental health. If you are unable to recognise these issues, you can contact our craniomaxillofacial surgeon in Whitefield.
Will a craniomaxillofacial surgeon help manage recovery after surgery?
Yes. Craniomaxillofacial surgeons are specialists who help patients recover safely and quickly. They monitor critical health signals like behaviour, eating habits, breathing, and even physical appearances to ensure that patients are completely recovered with effective treatment.
What conditions do craniomaxillofacial surgeons attend to?
Craniomaxillofacial surgeons are well-experienced in treating several conditions, such as facial deformities, uneven breathing, dental issues, speech issues, and sinus problems. Our craniomaxillofacial surgeon in Whitefield knows these conditions pretty well and, hence, prepares comprehensive treatments with effective therapies and medications.
What advancements or technologies are utilised by craniomaxillofacial surgeons?
Craniomaxillofacial surgeons utilise the latest methods and technologies to diagnose and treat patients. These include X-ray machines, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound devices, and 3-D imaging devices. Our craniomaxillofacial surgeon in Whitefield has access to the latest tools that precisely treat patients.
What are the different types of Pediatric Craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis can affect babies in two different ways
- Isolated craniosynostosis: Isolated craniosynostosis known as non-syndromic craniosynostosis, is the closing of only one suture with no other associated health problems and is the most common kind of craniosynostosis.
- Syndromic craniosynostosis: Syndromes are when three or more medical problems occur in a recognizable pattern. When craniosynostosis is part of a syndrome, it is known as syndromic craniosynostosis. In these cases, there are usually two or more sutures that closed too early. Patients also have other health conditions as part of the syndrome.
Who is a craniomaxillofacial surgeon, and what do they do?
A craniomaxillofacial surgeon (CMF surgeon) is a highly specialised surgical professional dedicated to the intricate world of the face, skull, and jaws. Their extensive training makes these experts diagnose and treat a wide range of problems, including congenital defects, trauma, tumours, and other medical conditions like sleep apnea.
What question you should ask a craniomaxillofacial surgeon
You can ask any question regarding the instability of your facial or skeletal health to a craniomaxillofacial surgeon. These might include what problems you’re facing, how you will treat these problems, should you need medications, how long it will take to recover, etc.
What document should I carry on my first visit with a craniomaxillofacial surgeon?
You should bring all your health documents that can provide information about your ongoing condition. These include past treatment records related to your jaw or face, health checkups, accidental reports, and even prescriptions. To know which documents are important, consult our craniomaxillofacial surgeon in Whitefield.
What is the role of a craniomaxillofacial surgeon in a patient's treatment
Craniomaxillofacial surgeons consistently work with experts in other departments, such as paediatric, neurology, ENT, and dentistry, while treating patients. They ensure complete surgical care with effective measures and consistent monitoring of patient’s health during and even after the treatment.
How should I prepare for my first visit to a craniomaxillofacial surgeon?
You can prepare for your first visit to a craniomaxillofacial surgeon by obtaining necessary medical reports, discussing concerns, and asking questions. These aspects will help you get better clarity about the treatment or medications required to treat your problems.
