Every person’s skull is comprised of several plates of bone; when we are born, these plates are softer and are not yet fused together. As our brains grow, the skull is able to grow as well, due to the separate plates of bone the make up the skull. As adults, the plates of bone fuse together, but if the fusion occurs too early or in an abnormal way, it is known as craniosynostosis.
One of the biggest risks with craniosynostosis is pressure on a child’s growing brain. It can also affect eyesight, have neurological impacts, and result in skull and facial asymmetries. The surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are board-certified to perform this complex pediatric procedure, and they perform the surgery using the most innovative and safest techniques possible.
CANDIDATES FOR CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS REPAIR
Craniosynostosis repair is usually performed on children between nine and twelve months of age. In certain situations, treatment can be performed earlier at three months of age using less invasive techniques. Since craniosynostosis can affect a child’s development and growth, early detection and treatment is paramount.
Your pediatrician will be able to identify the symptoms and, through medical evaluation, the severity of the craniosynostosis. You should always consult with a pediatric neurosurgeon and a board-certified plastic surgeon before making the decision for your child to undergo craniosynostosis repair.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION
When you consult with a plastic surgeon, you will want to confirm that they have craniofacial surgical training and are experienced in treating pediatric patients with skull deformities caused by craniosynostosis. The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago is comprised of expert plastic surgeons and staff that have years of expertise treating children and adults alike.
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will give you an extensive overview of the procedure, the potential risks associated with it, and the recovery period. Our surgeons will create a personalized treatment plan that best fits your child’s needs.
HOW CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS REPAIR IS PERFORMED
The particular process of a craniosynostosis repair is largely dependent on the severity of the case. Sometimes a fairly simple endoscopic surgery is enough to correct the problem; in other cases, an approach known as an “open repair” must be performed.
The child is first put under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes incisions, usually along the top of the scalp. The specific placement of the incisions depends on the location of the problem area. Bones in the skull are shifted, or in some cases, removed and reshaped. They are fastened together using resorbable plates and screws that allow the skull to expand as the brain grows; the body eventually absorbs the plates and screws over a period of one to two years after surgery.
Lastly, once the necessary corrections are made, the incisions are closed and sutured.
RECOVERY AFTER CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS REPAIR
Children that undergo craniosynostosis repair recover in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Further treatment may sometimes be necessary in the form of “helmet therapy,” a type of treatment in which a child is fitted with a customized helmet to make gentle, subtle corrections to the shape of the skull. The duration of helmet therapy is typically around three to six months, on average.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS REPAIR
Every surgical procedure carries with it some potential risks. Those associated with craniosynostosis repair may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Hematoma (blood clot)
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago takes every precaution to mitigate any complications. Our surgical procedures are always performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
WHAT DOES CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS REPAIR COST?
It is difficult to provide an approximate cost for craniosynostosis repair because the procedure varies greatly between patients. Be sure to discuss all costs with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. Your medical insurance may cover some or all of the cost associated with craniosynostosis repair. Contact your health insurance provider before undergoing the procedure.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Our top priority at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago is the wellbeing and safety of all of our patients, no matter the age. We specialize in pediatric procedures that very few other plastic surgery centers offer, and we never perform a procedure unless we are certain that it is the best treatment plan for your child. If you have questions about craniosynostosis repair or would like to talk to a surgeon about treatment options, contact us by calling our office or using the form on the Contact Us page.
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Midterm follow-up on this lovely #rhinoplasty patient who wanted nasal surgery to improve her nasal breathing but also to improve the aesthetics of the nose. Fixing the crooked nose is a challenge in rhinoplasty and on the bird’s eye view, you can visualize improvement in the dorsal aesthetic lines. Dorsal aesthetic lines are two curvilinear light reflex lines that travel from the inner eyebrow to the tip of the nose on frontal view. On profile view you can see a nice profile with the dorsal hump removed. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #hybridrhinoplasty #septoplasty #crookednose #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Honored to lead the Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons (MAPS) as president for 2021-2022 with this group of esteemed colleagues on the board with me. MAPS is a plastic surgery society that was founded in 1961 to foster the development of plastic surgery in the Midwest region and involves plastic surgeons and plastic surgery programs from the states of Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. We are currently planning our annual meeting which will take place in Chicago on May 20-21st. The meeting will have renowned plastic surgeons from all over the United States to share ideas and to advance our specialty forward.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #MAPS #cosmeticsurgery #craniofacialsurgery #microsurgery #aestheticsurgery #handsurgery #pediatricsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #burnsurgeryspecialist
Happy for this mother of 2 who wanted to improve the contour and aesthetics of her abdomen and waist with an #abdominoplasty or #tummy tuck. After children, women can experience rectus diastasis or separation of the abdominal muscles as the uterus expands. During a tummy tuck, plastic surgeons will address this separation by stitching the muscles back together. In the post-operative photos you can visualize the muscles re-positioned more centrally. Additionally, we will perform liposuction, remove excess abdominal skin and re-set the belly button. Posted with permission.
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Asian upper blepharoplasty or “double eyelid surgery” is a variation of an upper eyelid lift or upper blepharoplasty procedure where the upper eyelid crease is raised and more defined. Additionally, the epicanthal fold or skin that covers the inner corner of the eye can be removed depending on the patient’s goals. The goal of this surgery is not to necessarily create an occidental appearing eye but to maintain the patient’s features and create the appearance that the eye is larger and more refreshed. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #blepharoplasty #eyelidlift #asianblepharoplasty #doubleeyelidsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
It’s amazing how a small surgery can have a large impact on a person’s facial proportions. This patient underwent a #genioplasty or chin augmentation and #neckliposuction to improve the aesthetics and balance of the lower 1/3 of the face. In the post-operative photos, the patient’s face appears less round, more angular, and the lower 1/3 more proportional with the middle and upper 1/3 of the face. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #genioplasty #chinaugmentation #neckliposuction #craniofacialsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Six month follow-up on a natural #otoplasty procedure or #earpinning procedure. Plastic surgeons board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have pioneered the techniques used today for ear pinning surgery. The surgery entails improving the definition of the ears and setting the ears closer to the scalp. The patient reports feeling more confident in the size, shape, and symmetry of his ears in social and work settings. Posted with permission.
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6 month follow up on a #malerhinoplasty patient who wanted his dorsal hump removed, the nose straighter, and the tip less bulbous. The patient underwent a #primaryrhinoplasty where the dorsal hump was removed, the entire nose was straightened, and the tip refined. Pay close attention to the tip of the nose, in male rhinoplasty we try to avoid over rotating the nose or making the tip “upturned”. This maneuver feminizes the nose. Posted with permission.
#rhinoplasty #malerhinoplasty #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This patient is 3 months from a breast augmentation with gel implants. The patient’s goals were to go from an A cup to a D cup but to still look natural. In the post-operative photos you can see that the patient has improved volume, more projection, and a natural result that fits her frame. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #breastaugmentation #gelimplants #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this patient who wanted to look and feel more rested and youthful. The patient underwent a lower facelift and neck lift to improve the aesthetics of the lower 1/3 of the face and neck. In the post-operative photos you can see improvement in the jowls, the contour of the jawline, and the neck. Posted with permission.
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Just a little hi def liposuction and abdominal etching before sweater weather.
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Happy for this patient who wanted to look less tired, more youthful, and natural. The patient underwent an upper and lower #blepharoplasty or #eyelid lift. In the post-operative photos, you can see improvement in the “bags” under the eyes, the deep crease between the eyelids and cheek, and loose skin. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #blepharoplasty #eyelidlift #botox #fillers #fattransfer #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Proud of our research team for getting 4 abstracts accepted for podium presentations at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 90th annual meeting. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is one of the oldest and largest plastic surgery societies in the US and internationally. The membership requirements are strict, requiring each member to have completed a plastic surgery residency or fellowship and be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #ASPS #craniofacialsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #PSTM21 #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Challenging #rhinoplasty in a thick-skinned patient with a lot of things to address. The patient wanted a reduction in the dorsal hump, a straighter nose, and a smaller nose over all. The patient underwent a dorsal hump reduction, the nose was medialized, and the tip de-projected or pulled closer to the face and refined. Still her nose that fits her ethnicity but more balanced and refined. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #nosejob #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This mother of 2 wanted a #mommymakeover to get her pre-baby body back plus more. The patient underwent a #BBL and breast augmentation. In the post-operative photos you can see the snatched waist, the abdominal etching, and improved contour of the hips and buttock. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #BBL #breastaugmentation #gummybear #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this mother of 3 who wanted improvement in the size, shape, and symmetry of her breasts. The patient underwent a breast augmentation with 400 cc gel implants. In the post-operative photos you can see restoration of volume and improved shape and symmetry. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #breastaugmentation #breastimplants #gummybear #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Neck liposuction or neck lift? This patient underwent neck liposuction and liposculpture of the jawline. In the correct patient, less invasive procedures can be very effective in achieving great results. Happy for this patient and his new look. Posted with permission.
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My fellow Chicago Booth alumni will appreciate this post. It was a great night for the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons where we had Professor Jean-Pierre Dube speak about “The Chicago Booth Approach to Pricing”. Dr. Dube is the James M. Kilts Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and he is the director of the Kilts Center for Marketing. Dr. Dube discussed strategies on how to use marketing models and analytics to price medical services and medical products.
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I don’t usually post rhinoplasty results this early but she was looking so good so early that I had to share. This patient with thick skin is 6 weeks out from a primary ethnic rhinoplasty but already showing a positive impact from the surgery despite the long road to recovery. Posted with permission.
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Not getting the gym gains you want? Your plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can help. This patient underwent hi-def liposculpting and abdominal etching to improve the contour and aesthetics of his abdomen and waist. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #maleplasticsurgery #liposuction #hidefliposuction #liposculpture #abdominaletching #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This is a great case to highlight the importance of evaluating the chin with the nose in all rhinoplasty cases. Look at the video and focus on the nose, watch it a second time and focus on the chin, and then watch it a third time and focus on the nose and chin or the whole face. For the rhinoplasty, most of the work was focused on the nasal tip. For the chin, a reduction genioplasty was performed to narrow, lower, and set the chin back. Posted with permission.
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