At the Bangalore Cleft and Craniofacial unit at Bhawan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, these conditions are expertly managed by a multidisciplinary team. The neurosurgeons with the reconstructive surgeon address the specific craniofacial condition.

Timing of Surgery:

An early intervention is ideal to reduce deformity and damage to the growing brain.

If the skull deformity is identified early (under four months of age)  – A minimally invasive procedure that addresses the affected growing line can be performed.

However, in most instances, the surgery of choice is a formal remodelling procedure that provides immediate improvement in the shape of the skull and increases the volume available for brain growth.

Procedures offered for Craniosynostosis:

1. Minimal invasive Suturectomy and post-operative helmet therapy.
2. Fronto-orbital Advancement and Remodelling
3. Partial/Total Calvarial Remodelling
4. Posterior Calvarial Distraction/Springs
5. Fronto-orbital advancement with distractors
6. Monobloc Advancement
7. Mid-face advancement/Distraction
8. VP Shunt for hydrocephalus
9. Bone Contouring Surgery

This surgery may also be offered for patients with Sleep apnea, as the forward placement of the upper and lower jaws improves the airway.

The surgery is usually performed by placing small incisions inside the mouth in the crease of the gums, and the lips and the bones are cut using advanced cutting instruments. They are then fixed into the new position using titanium plates and screws that do not require removal, are safe for MRI scans and do not set off alarms in metal detectors.

The average hospital stay for these procedures is one to two days following the surgery.

Before the surgery, we provide a detailed analysis at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, Bangalore.

Since every case is different, we recommend you book a consultation to understand why the Bangalore Cleft and Craniofacial Center is suited for your treatment.

The pre-operative planning uses Materialise software – a state-of-the-art virtual Surgical Planning tool. The orthognathic surgery splints are prepared in-house, and these help position the jaws during the surgery. The use of modern technology and combined inputs from the orthodontist and the surgeon ensure predictable outcomes.

If you are an orthodontist requiring help understanding our expertise in Orthognathic Surgery – Please click here https://bangalorecleftandcraniofacial.com/doctorlist

The conditions of the TMJ require detailed assessment, best done by surgeons who understand this joint well.

The common procedures involving joints are:

• Arthrocentesis
• Arthroscopy
• Reduction of TMJ Dislocation
• TMJ replacement

Some facial differences require distraction osteogenesis, and these are done by special devices called distractors, which are placed in the bones to move them gradually in small increments. The surgery may be done from an incision inside the mouth but often requires an incision outside in the natural crease of the face or the neck.

Pierre Robin Sequence:

A triad of Retrognathia (or Micrognathia -  Small jaw), Glossoptosis (tongue falls backwards into the throat) and Upper airway obstruction (difficulty in breathing). These children often need support in their early infancy to tide over their breathing difficulty. In most instances, we manage the airway obstruction with conservative techniques that allow for adequate growth and development of the child and adequate brain oxygenation. In some instances, mandibular distractors may be required to advance the lower jaw and improve the tongue space, thus reducing airway obstruction.

Treacher Collins Syndrome:

Children with this syndrome have a complex upper and lower jaw, risking them to have airway issues. Distraction of the lower jaw or, in some cases, of the upper jaw and lower jaw complex allows improved breathing and development of the child.

The symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type you have. The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:

• Insomnia.
• Snoring.
• Gasping for air during sleep.
• Awakening with a dry mouth.
• Morning headache.
• Difficulty paying attention while awake.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, known as hypersomnia.
• Irritability.

At the Bangalore Cleft and Craniofacial unit, a complete sleep disorder diagnosis is made with a sleep medicine doctor. The combined investigations help establish the type of sleep disorder and the accurate analysis of the airway.

The initial effort is to cure borderline cases of sleep apnea with non-surgical methods and lifestyle modification. In cases where non-surgical management has failed, surgical procedures like Uvulopalatoplasty, Turbinectomy, Maxillomandibular advancement, or genioplasty are likely to offer relief.

Since each case is different, speak to your doctor to understand the best treatment for you or your family member.

Trained in the UK at one of the busiest facial palsy clinics, our doctor understands the role of botulinum toxin injections in improving facial balance and reducing extra flickering-like movements. These are routine office-based procedures that can be done with very little downtime. The recovery is swift, and the effects of the injection are noticeable within the first week. The effect lasts for 4-6 months when injected the first time but may reduce in duration with long-term use.