Craniofacial Anomalies
Craniofacial anomalies are congenital malformations in the area of the skull (cranium) and face (facial). The malformation occurs in the womb during the development of the embryo, but can also arise for environmental, genetic or as yet unknown reasons.
Treatment of craniofacial anomalies has progressed considerably in recent years, enabling the SailerClinic to achieve excellent results using the most modern methods. Let our experienced team advise you and arrange a personal consultation.
Craniofacial Anomalies Treatment in Zurich
The SailerClinic offers a wide range of surgical treatments. This range of treatments includes not only aesthetic surgery, but also, in particular, complex reconstructive surgery for a wide variety of congenital and acquired disorders, as well as cranial surgery and facial surgery. We treat craniofacial anomalies according to a plan tailored to your individual situation. This plan will be drawn up during your personal consultation at the SailerClinic in Zurich.
Anomalies are treated and corrected in complex surgical procedures. These include reconstructive tumour and accident surgery, surgery for extreme deformities, primary and secondary cleft lip and palate surgery, as well as surgery of the anterior skull base. We also treat congenital or emerging growth disorders (so-called syndromes, facial and jaw clefts) surgically.
Duration of the treatment
Depending on the type of treatment
Fit for everyday life
Depending on the type of treatment
Follow-up treatment
Suture removal and special dressings
Clinic stay
Inpatient
The most frequently asked questions
What are craniofacial malformations?
Craniofacial malformations are congenital anomalies in the skull (cranium) and facial areas. They develop during the embryo’s formation in the womb and can be caused by genetic, environmental, or unknown factors.
What treatment options are available at the SailerClinic?
The SailerClinic offers a wide range of surgical treatments, including aesthetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and cranial and facial surgery. Each treatment is individually planned and tailored to the needs of the patients.
Which specific malformations are treated?
The most commonly treated malformations include:
- Craniosynostosis
- Cleft lip and palate
- Hemifacial microsomia
- Pierre Robin sequence
- Apert syndrome
- Treacher Collins syndrome
- Goldenhar syndrome
- Crouzon syndrome
- Microcephaly
- Choanal atresia
- Pfeiffer syndrome
How is the treatment planned?
The planning takes place during a personal consultation, where an individualized treatment plan is developed. This plan takes into account the type of malformation and the personal needs of the patients.
How long does recovery take after surgery?
The healing time depends on the type of treatment. After the surgery, stitches are removed, and special bandages support the healing process.
Why is an early diagnosis important?
An early diagnosis makes it possible to develop a treatment plan tailored to individual needs. This improves the chances of success and facilitates social integration as well as the personal and professional development of the patients.
Primary and Secondary Cleft Surgery
The field of deformity surgery includes cleft lip and palate, which is treated surgically in the SailerClinic according to a treatment protocol developed by us.
Therefore, secondary cleft surgery, i.e. the correction of growth disorders after the operation of cleft lip and palate, is of great importance at the SailerClinic. During this procedure, the jaws are relocated to an optimal position and, in addition, soft tissue corrections are carried out on the lips and nose. These functional and aesthetic measures make it easier for our patients to achieve complete social integration and support their personal and professional development.
Anterior Skull Base Surgery
The most severe forms of craniofacial anomalies fall within the scope of anterior skull base surgery, but patients with skull base fractures resulting from accidents and tumours in the area of the anterior skull base are also treated here.
Together, we can overcome the often-demanding challenges of skull base surgery. Let us discuss your concerns in a non-binding, one-on-one meeting and find out how we can best support you.
Before-and-after pictures
Types of Craniofacial Anomalies
Congenital malformations can occur individually or in combination in the skull, neck or facial area. There are a number of known congenital malformations that require different forms of treatment.
The most common include:
- Craniosynostosis
- Cleft lip and palate
- Hemifacial microsomia
- Pierre Robin sequence
- Apert syndrome
- Treacher Collins syndrome
- Goldenhar syndrome
- Crouzon Syndrome with Acanthosis Nigricans
- Microcephaly
- Choanal atresia
- Pfeiffer syndrome
These variations will be explained in more detail below.
Craniosynostosis
In this congenital malformation, the sutures of the skull close too early. This results in an abnormal head shape and pressure inside the head, which can affect the brain. Other complications may also arise.
Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft lip and palate is probably the most common craniofacial anomaly. The malformation can affect the lips, palate and jaw and can occur on both sides of the face or just on one side.
Hemifacial Microsomia
This craniofacial anomaly is characterised by underdevelopment of one side of the face, which can affect the ears, mouth and/or jaw.
Pierre Robin sequence
This congenital malformation is characterised by a cleft palate, a tongue that is turned back and a recessed jaw.
Apert syndrome
This craniosynostosis leads to anomalies in the fingers and toes. In addition, the midface may be affected by hypoplasia.
Treacher Collins syndrome
This congenital malformation affects the eyes, cheekbones, ears and lower jaw.
Goldenhar syndrome
This congenital malformation manifests itself in the underdevelopment of the face, particularly affecting the eyes, ears, mouth and occasionally the spine.
Crouzon Syndrome with Acanthosis Nigricans
Crouzon syndrome, which is a form of craniosynostosis, affects the face and skull and, in some cases, the limbs.
Microcephaly
Microcephaly is a congenital malformation in which a newborn’s head shows developmental delay and is smaller than it should be.
Choanal atresia
This congenital malformation occurs in the nasal area and restricts breathing.
Pfeiffer syndrome
This is an acrocephalosyndactyly that occurs together with midface hypoplasia and craniosynostosis. This craniofacial anomaly exhibits malformations in the area of the hand or feet and occurs in varying degrees of severity and manifestation.
The various forms of craniofacial anomalies also include Down syndrome, Carpenter syndrome and acrocephalosyndactyly syndrome.
The symptoms, causes and treatments vary depending on the severity and type of congenital malformation. It is therefore important to get an early diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Your expert team
Hermann F. Sailer Prof. Dr. med., Dr. med. dent., Dr. h. c. mult., Dr. sc. h. c. mult.
Specialist in oral, maxillofacial, and facial surgery, founder of the clinic, senior director
Tateyuki Iizuka Prof. Dr. med., Dr. med. dent.
Specialist in oral, maxillofacial, and facial surgery, Senior Consultant
Do you have questions? Contact us.
Get in touch with us – Our expert team will contact you.
"After the surgery, I finally see the person I’ve always been on the inside. My confidence has increased tremendously, and I no longer hide from the world. Thank you to the team."
Angela B., Aesthetic Surgery Patient
