Welcoming a new child into the world is one of the most exciting and challenging events an individual can experience. As parents, we hope for the best for our children’s health and development. When a baby is born with a physical or developmental condition, it can create a great deal of anxiety, particularly if surgery is needed. In these cases, working with an experienced, board-certified physician who is specialized in reconstructive cranial surgery can help ensure that your child receives the best possible care.
Dr. Morin is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New Jersey. As a specialist in cosmetic surgery of the head and face, Dr. Morin is aware of both the medical and aesthetic issues craniosynostosis can create. This is one of the reasons he specializes in cranial vault remodeling surgery in Hackensack, NJ to reshape the skull. To learn more about working with Dr. Morin, contact his office and book a consultation today.
Craniosynostosis is a congenital condition that affects the proper growth of a baby’s head, and occurs when the skull bones have fused together too early. If your infant has been diagnosed with craniosynostosis, cranial vault reconstruction surgery (also known as CVR surgery) will be needed in order to correct the condition.
When a baby is born, the bones in the top part of the skull (the cranium) are separated. The seams between these bones, called sutures, allow the bone structure to grow and expand. This enables the cranium to create room for the rapidly growing brain. If one or more of the sutures is fused or closed, it prevents the head from growing normally, resulting in a distorted head shape.
The most common craniosynostosis treatment is surgery, so you need to find a specialist in your area that is board-certified, has experience with CVR surgery, and can show you before and after photos from previous operations.
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Morin’s work, get in touch with our Hackensack office today and our team will be glad to help, as well as address questions and concerns about surgery for craniosynostosis.
*Results may vary
An abnormally shaped head is the most obvious indication of craniosynostosis. The condition is typically diagnosed by physical examination, and can be confirmed with skull x-rays.
Babies born with craniosynostosis may have an unusually shaped head as soon as they are born. In other cases, the sutures may fuse after birth, so signs may not be visible until the child is older. In either case, consulting with a board-certified craniofacial pediatric plastic surgeon as soon as you notice any possible signs is always the best decision.
Dr. Morin dedicates a large part of his practice to craniosynostosis treatment. He strives to detect this condition as soon as possible and has extensive experience in all cranial vault reconstruction and remodeling techniques in order to deliver the best results to his patients. To find out more about Dr. Morin and his work, contact his office today and we will be glad to help.
Ready to start looking your best? We offer virtual and in-office consultations.
Cranial vault reconstruction is done to reshape the bones. In most instances, a baby with craniosynostosis will need to undergo surgery. Depending on the individual case and the age of the child, two types of surgery can be performed to address the deformity.
Endoscopic craniosynostosis repair is performed if the baby is young and the cranial bones are still thin and pliable. Endoscopic repair is performed through small incisions using a small camera called an endoscope. Endoscopic craniectomy surgery has been associated with less blood loss and shorter hospital admissions, however, it requires the diligent use of a helmet postoperatively for 6 months to a year.
Open cranial vault remodeling is performed on older children who are often diagnosed later in life. Open cranial vault remodeling requires a larger incision and the removal and reconstruction of the abnormally positioned bones. This technique usually takes longer than the endoscopic approach, however, the results can be excellent.
Cranial vault remodeling is a surgical procedure that can be performed to restructure the bones in the cranium. The goal of the procedure is to create a normal-looking head shape and to give the brain the room it needs to grow and develop normally.
During the procedure, a craniofacial surgeon and a pediatric neurosurgeon will work together in order to release and remodel the bones and correct the deformity, so that the cranium can adequately accommodate the growing brain. This involves removing, reorienting and reshaping abnormally positioned bone in the skull in order to create a normal head shape. The bones are secured in place with absorbable plates and screws, which will dissolve in 12 to 18 months.
After surgery, a 3-5 day hospital stay is necessary so the child can begin healing and be monitored. Endoscopic craniosynostosis repair and cranial vault remodeling procedures should be performed as early as possible, as the head shape tends to worsen with time.
Craniosynostosis surgery is performed to help correct abnormal head shape, giving the brain enough room to develop properly. The procedure has been performed for more than 4 decades and it can greatly improve symptoms of this condition, however, there are some potential side-effects you should keep in mind before making a decision.
Some of the potential side-effects include:
Dr. Morin is a renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon that specializes in cranial vault reconstruction operations in Hackensack, NJ. If you want to learn more about working with Dr. Morin, get in touch with his New Jersey office and book a consultation today.
Endoscopic craniosynostosis repair and cranial vault reconstruction procedures should be performed as early as possible. Left untreated, craniosynostosis makes the head shape worse with time. After surgery, a 2-3 day hospital stay is necessary so the child can be monitored closely and begin healing.
Due to the nature of the surgery, open cranial vault remodeling surgeries require a higher level of postoperative care. Patients are generally kept in the ICU for 1-2 days and are then monitored in a pediatric unit for another 2-3 days. There is also significantly more swelling associated with open cranial vault remodeling, especially around the eyes.
Our healthcare experts will take care of your child and ensure that he or she receives the best care possible. We strive to keep discomfort at a minimum, and Dr. Morin designs a customized surgical plan for each patient in order to achieve this goal.
Ensure you consult with a craniofacial specialist to determine the best surgical plan for your child.
If your baby has a skull deformity, it is important to consult with a multidisciplinary team, including a plastic surgeon who specializes in pediatric craniofacial reconstructive surgery. The craniofacial surgeon, in conjunction with a pediatric neurosurgeon, will determine the best course of action and surgical plan.
Dr. Morin is a craniofacial surgeon with offices in Hackensack, New Jersey who routinely performs surgery on children and babies, treating such conditions as cleft lip, cleft palate, ear reconstruction and cranial vault remodeling. He understands how overwhelming surgery can be for both parents and children, and works with compassion to ensure that all questions and concerns are adequately addressed.
Contact Dr. Morin’s Hackensack office to schedule a craniosynostosis consultation and, if necessary, reconstructive surgery for your child.
Ready to start looking your best? We offer virtual and in-office consultations.
