Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Craniofacial surgery for birth defects
TREATMENT TO CORRECT SKULL OR FACIAL DEFORMITIES IN CHILDREN
Congential disorders affecting your child's head or face can be improved through a range of surgical procedures
About craniofacial surgery
Craniofacial abnormalities that are present from birth, such as a cleft palate or craniosynostosis, often require complex treatment.
The London Children’s Craniofacial Group at The Portland Hospital is led by some of the UK’s leading paediatric surgeons, giving your child the best specialised care.
Need to know
Our philosophy of care for a child needing craniofacial surgery is to provide comprehensive treatment that addresses the equally important functional, aesthetic and psychological aspects of their condition.
To determine the best approach for your child, they will see a multidisciplinary team, often including ENT specialists, oral surgeons, general paediatricians and neurosurgeons. A personalised care plan will be put together and overseen by your consultant and a dedicated craniofacial fellow consultant.
Because craniofacial reconstruction often involves delicate and specialised procedures, surgery can take anywhere from four to 14 hours.
Pre-operative assessments will help your consultant to determine the best treatment for your child. A range of tests and scans may be done, including eye tests, a CT scan or X-rays to get a detailed look at the shape and structure of the skull.
Once your consultant has determined the best surgical approach, they'll explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Depending on the complexity of your child's operation, they may be cared for in our intensive treatment unit at the hospital or in our Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit for an extended period after their surgery.
Follow-up procedures may also be needed. Your consultant will let you know what to expect. They'll also work closely with you and your family to help your child make a full recovery.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.