Craniofacial Growth Patterns

Surgical interventions on a growing child can lead to unpredictable outcomes regarding growth and function, but are sometimes necessary due to very poor aesthetics, function, or pathology. This is due to trauma at growth sites/centers from iatrogenic sources, as well as scarring, and any retained hardware. Therefore, if possible delaying surgical interventions until cessation of growth is almost always ideal. Patients who cannot delay surgery will be at high risk for relapse, inhibition/modification of craniofacial growth, a less than ideal outcome, or the need for future surgeries.