We Also Do Cleft, Craniofacial and Tumor Surgery

What is Cleft, Craniofacial and Tumor Surgery? This type of procedure is the surgical correction of a cleft lip or the removal of a head tumor. It involves the craniofacial region, which is the head and skull. The purpose of such procedures is to correct various issues to do with the skull or the face that are either causing physical problems or are simply unattractive. These various problems are usually a result of deformities but can also be caused by traumatic accidents.

Craniofacial Deformities and Tumors:

Craniofacial surgery was originally developed by Dr. Paul L. Tessier in Paris, France, as a way to correct noticeable deformities of the face. Dr. Tessier is responsible for improved surgical techniques that are now used to correct severe deformities in the facial region due to either birth defects or a traumatic event. The types of birth defects that are treated through craniofacial surgery include conditions, such as Otomandibular, Goldenhare’s, Treacher-Collins, Pfeiffer’s, Apert’s and Crouzon’s syndromes. Other defeats include Hemifacial Microsomia, Robin Anomaly and various types of facial clefts. Treatment options for these conditions often involves major surgery, which includes opening the fused growth in the skull and is completed at an early age. Various follow-up surgeries take place around the ages of five to nine. These major surgeries often include bone grafts and demand prolonged hospitalization. However, as a result of the advancements in craniofacial surgical techniques, many of these deformities are now correctable.

Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment:

In America, approximately one person in every 600 is born with a cleft lip and palate deformation. Although this defect is often upsetting to parents, it is a treatable condition. There are various procedures and therapies utilized in treatment, which range from orthodontic treatments and surgical interventions to hearing and speech therapy. These treatments are designed to restore the function and the physical appearance of those who are suffering with a cleft lip and palate. Cleft lip and palate defects occur in a range of combinations, including complete lip/palate, partial lip/complete palate and complete lip/partial palate. When babies are born with this defect, their feeding and subsequent nutritional needs are the primary concern. Thankfully, there are modified nipples for bottles and other techniques that are available for use to ensure babies born with cleft lip palate get their needed nutrients until their defect can be corrected.

Distraction Ontogenesis:

Distraction Ontogenesis is a technique that grows new bone and is utilized to treat orthopedic and craniofacial bone deficiencies. This treatment technique is often used in orthopedics to lengthen fingers, arms and legs. However, since 1992, it has also been utilized in the human jaw and applied to the face. The technique was originally developed by Dr. Gavriel Ilizarov in Siberia. Dr. Ilizzarov who created the treatment to address leg deformities following World War II. Back then, he used bicycle sprockets and rings to lengthen limbs or to straighten bones that were crooked. His technique involved the breaking of bones, which he would allow to heal for seven days and then he would pull the bone ends apart, allowing more bone to grow in the gap. He was even able to help lengthen the limbs of dwarfs by an amazing 18 inches.

At Robinson Cosmetic Surgery, we specialize in cleft, craniofacial, and tumor surgery in addition to our popular cosmetic procedures to improve and enhance the appearance and functions of your face. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment to consult one-on-one with Dr. Randy Robinson, one of Denver’s leading facial surgeons. We look forward to hearing from you!