Craniosynostosis Surgery to Improve the Symmetry and Appearance of the Head

Craniosynostosis is a gene-linked birth defect associated with an abnormal skull shape. If one or more cranial sutures close prematurely, it results in craniosynostosis. In normal cases, brain growth is possible by the skull expansion. However, in craniosynostosis, the brain cannot grow fully as the cranial bones have fused prematurely at the suture lines. This results in an abnormally shaped skull. Moreover, excess internal pressure is built up within the brain leading to its impaired growth. A skilled plastic surgeon can perform surgery to correct the condition. Normally, this treatment is done during infancy to allow the brain grow to a normal shape and size. Thus craniosynostosis surgery helps to improve the symmetry and appearance of the head.

Besides being caused by genetic factors, craniosynostosis can also be the result of metabolic diseases, mainly an overactive thyroid or rickets. Sometimes, the disorder is associated with other abnormalities such as abnormally small head (microcephaly) and excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus). Common symptoms are abnormal skull shape, high intracranial pressure, mental retardation, development delays, blindness and seizures.

Treatment for Craniosynostosis

This congenital deformity can be rectified only by a surgical procedure. The procedure is usually performed on infants under two months. Sometimes, treatment is delayed to when the child is between nine and twelve months. Specific treatment is offered for different types of craniosynostosis:

• Metopic synostosis is performed to correct a triangular shaped forehead. If the deformity is very noticeable, then the reconstructive surgery may be suggested when the child is between nine and eleven months old.
• Sagittal synostosis is a less invasive procedure to reshape the head and is usually performed before the infant is two months old. The surgery involves the remodeling of the cranial vault to broaden the biparietal distance and reduce the frontal to posterior expansion of the skull.
• Unilateral coronal synostosis is a corrective surgery to rectify abnormalities of nose, eye and forehead.
• Multiple suture synostosis is done to resolve a critical condition that requires different surgeries. Possible brain anomalies are caused due to fusion of more than one cranial suture.

Treatment Advantages

This surgical procedure offers many benefits:

• Remodels the face to achieve natural symmetry
• Increases self-confidence to lead normal life and mingle in the community
• Greatly improves the appearance of the head and face

The Right Place for the Surgery

The success of this procedure depends on the expertise of the plastic surgeon. It is therefore important that the surgery is performed in an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery center with a qualified plastic surgeon. The surgeon should have expertise in performing this surgical procedure using the latest technology and surgical procedures. The right facility would provide personalized treatment and care in a comfortable and private ambience. Finding the right practice is crucial for the success of craniosynostosis surgery to improve the symmetry and appearance of the head.