Craniofacial Surgery: Craniosynostosis and Craniofacial Syndromes

The field of craniofacial surgery is a specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery that addresses a wide variety of congenital, neoplastic, and traumatic deformities of the head and face. This chapter addresses craniofacial procedures that pertain to the treatment of craniosynostosis and craniofacial syndromes. Treatment of these patients often requires operative procedures performed during infancy, childhood, and possibly into adulthood. Many of these procedures are surgically challenging, time-consuming, and require meticulous technique. Careful attention to detail is key to success, and subtle techniques that minimize the risk of complications are important to highlight. Some key procedures share basic principles, while others do not. This chapter is a compendium of “tips and tricks” solicited from colleagues and experts in the field of craniofacial surgery.