Congenital craniofacial deformities, or birth abnormalities of the face are a diverse group of deformities. They can range from small mild defects to disfiguring clefts to skin malformations. Correcting these problems requires experience and expertise from a large multi-disciplinary team specialised in craniofacial care. Many of these conditions require multiple procedures performed over the course of many years.
Most cases of congenital deformities are detected around the time of birth, and treatment is initiated by early childhood at a dedicated children’s hospital. However, some patients may require treatment later in adulthood if they were previously undiagnosed, previously untreated, or for delayed functional or aesthetic problems that remain unresolved by the end of their teenage years.
The commonest deformities seen include:
Examples of correctable problems in adulthood include:
The treatment options for the above include:
Every patient’s situation is unique and the treatment will be tailored according to each patient’s face condition and desires. Consult with a plastic surgeon early if you feel you may have any of the above problems.