Craniofacial surgery is a specialized branch of plastic and reconstructive surgery focused on correcting congenital and acquired deformities of the skull, face, jaw, and related structures. These complex procedures aim to restore both aesthetic balance and vital functions such as breathing, vision, speech, and chewing.
At the forefront of this intricate field, Dr. Richie Gupta offers expert craniofacial surgical care with a multidisciplinary approach, often in collaboration with neurosurgeons, orthodontists, ENT specialists, and pediatricians. With advanced training, precision techniques, and years of experience, Dr. Gupta performs life-enhancing surgeries that dramatically improve appearance, functionality, and self-esteem, especially in children born with craniofacial anomalies.
Techniques Used in Craniofacial Surgery
Cranial vault remodeling
Distraction osteogenesis for gradual bone lengthening
Bone grafting and implants
3D CT scan-based surgical planning
Microsurgical free flaps
Use of custom-designed implants and prosthetics
Surgeries may be performed in multiple stages and often during early childhood to support normal growth and development.
Conditions Treated with Craniofacial Surgery
Craniofacial surgery addresses a wide range of congenital (birth-related) and trauma-related conditions, including:
- CraniosynostosisPremature fusion of one or more skull sutures, leading to abnormal head shape and potentially increased intracranial pressure. Surgical correction involves remodeling the skull to allow for normal brain growth and symmetrical head shape.
- Cleft Lip and PalateA common birth defect where there is a split in the lip and/or roof of the mouth. These require staged surgical correction to restore feeding, speech, and facial symmetry.
- Facial Clefts & Tessier CleftsRare and more complex clefts involving the eye, nose, cheeks, or forehead, requiring comprehensive reconstruction using flaps and bone grafts.
- Orbital HypertelorismAbnormally wide-spaced eyes, often corrected surgically to reposition the orbits for a more natural facial alignment.
- Midface HypoplasiaUnderdevelopment of the middle third of the face, affecting appearance and functions like breathing and chewing. Corrected via Le Fort osteotomies and facial advancement techniques.
- Jaw Abnormalities (Orthognathic Surgery)Deformities involving the upper or lower jaw, including overbites, underbites, or open bites, that require surgical repositioning of the jaw bones to improve both facial aesthetics and bite function.
- Post-Traumatic Facial DeformitiesCorrection of facial fractures, asymmetry, or bone loss following accidents or injuries. May involve bone grafting, plates, implants, or 3D planning.
- Tumor Resection DefectsReconstruction after removal of facial or cranial tumors, restoring bone and soft tissue integrity with microvascular flaps and bone grafts.