What is craniofacial deformity?
Craniofacial deformity or disorder is a very broad term that covers malformations of the face or skull as a result of disease or trauma but is often congenital which means it is present from birth.
Positional plagiocephaly is a common condition that affects results in the flattening of part of the skull in babies. Mr Ong can advise on whether this condition is likely to resolve on its own and what to do to give your child the best possible chance of having a symmetric round head shape as they grow up.
Some children with unusual head shapes will have a condition called Craniosynostosis which can look similar to positional plagiocephaly. Children with Craniosynostosis need close monitoring, further testing and often need surgery to alter the shape and size of the head to ensure they have the best chances of developing to their full potential.
Craniofacial Microsomia or Hemifacial Microsomia is a condition which affects the growth of the face and jaws. Children with this condition will often have differences in their ears and mouth and can develop a progressive asymmetry of their face. Mr Juling Ong can explain this condition to you and advise you on the surgical treatment options that are most appropriate for your child.
Treacher Collins syndrome is a condition that results in the underdevelopment of the cheekbones and lower jaw. Children with this condition often have difficulty breathing, speaking and hearing and may have difficulty closing their eyes. Mr Juling Ong can help you understand this condition and provide you with the advice and guidance on the best available treatments and surgeries for your child as they grow up.
There are many conditions that affect the skull and face. These can result in difficulties breathing, speaking, eating and hearing as well as affecting brain development and vision. Mr Juling Ong can help assess your child for these conditions and provide advice on treatment and any necessary tests or investigations. Mr Ong works with many other medical specialities and may recommend a package of care for your child to benefit from the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does craniofacial deformity treatment entail?
Treatment of craniofacial deformity is carried out by a multi-disciplinary team that can encompass neurosurgery, ENT surgery and orthodontics as well as plastic surgery. Follow-up care will usually continue until the child reaches maturity and the frequency of follow-ups depends on the nature of the craniofacial condition.
What does craniofacial reconstruction involve?
Mr Juling Ong can provide the very latest advances in craniofacial reconstruction surgery. Caring for children with craniofacial conditions is a delicate balance of treatments and timing as children grow from babies into young adults. Each child is an individual and Mr Juling Ong will help you to understand the conditions, its effect on your child and the best available treatment at each phase of your child’s life.
Some children with these conditions will need urgent treatment early in life, and others may benefit from staged treatments to account for growth and development.
The earlier that surgery takes place, the more likely that any reconstruction will need to account for its impact on growth and many children require repeated, complex procedures throughout their childhood, as well as adjunct minimally invasive treatments.
Surgery is aimed at improving function as well as appearance and there can be great psychological benefits as well as physical of early intervention.
During your consultation, Mr Juling Ong will explain all potential risks and discuss your treatment options in full. Please call us on 020 7927 6528 or email us at info@julingong.com to arrange an appointment.
