Cranio-Facial

This is a branch of Plastic surgery that looks after patients who have anomalies of the skull, face and jaw, which may be present since birth or may develop later in life. The bones of the skull and/or face may overgrow, under grow or fuse too soon, leading to distortions in the affected area.

The number of babies born with craniofacial problems in Ireland is small and in general they are treated in Temple Street hospital. One of the commoner problems treated is craniosynostosis, a condition when the spaces between the skull bones close too soon leading to abnormal skull growth. The first operation may be done at a young age to provide the brain with enough space to grow and to prevent further abnormal growth. Often the operation is done by both a Plastic surgeon and a Neurosurgeon and may take many hours. However the babies generally recover quickly and do not have to spend ling in hospital.