Craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery covers congenital and childhood anomalies related to the growing child’s face and body. Some of these congenital variances include head shape abnormalities (plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis), cleft lip and cleft palate, facial clefts, syndromes that affect the head, face and extremities, vascular and lymphatic malformations, hemangiomas, and large birthmarks.
Craniofacial Surgery
at Vida Bela
Acquired abnormalities that arise after birth include tumors, burns, trauma and infections. Dr. Snider underwent extensive pediatric reconstructive and pediatric craniofacial training to take care of your child at the highest level. She loves helping children and has a warm personable demeanor that will make you and your child feel at ease. Her philosophy of care stems from the belief that your child is as unique as every other child, and deserves to live a beautiful and fulfilling life.
Dr. Snider specializes in craniofacial surgery at the following location:
International Craniofacial Institute
7777 Forest Lane, Building C, Suite 528
Dallas, TX 75230
(972) 331-1900
VIEW DR. SNIDER ON INTERNATIONAL CRANIOFACIAL INSTITUTE
Craniofacial Procedures
Craniosynostosis
Head shape differences are typically recognized at birth or shortly thereafter. There are three main causes of an abnormal head shape in infants. The most common are those children who have positional changes due to external pressure on the head. This is called deformational or positional plagiocephaly. Craniosynostosis is another cause, which is due to fusion of the internal fibrous joints (cranial sutures) between the skull bones. A more rare cause involves infants born with craniofacial syndromes, such as Apert, Antley-Bixler, Crouzon, Seathre-Chotzen, Carpenter, Pfeiffer, Munke, and craniofrontonasal dysplasia. No matter the diagnosis, Dr. Snider brings her specialized craniofacial training and expertise in treating complex syndromes to treat your child with any head shape concern.
Cleft
Cleft lip and palate, or orofacial clefts, occur in about 1 in 700 children when the baby is developing in the womb, and can affect the lip, palate, jaw, gumline and teeth. During the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, the cells that form the baby’s nose, mouth, and upper jaw fuse to create the roof of the mouth, gumline, and the upper lip. A cleft occurs when parts of the lip and/or palate do not completely fuse together. It is important to identify this condition early in your child’s life as it can have a significant impact on eating, speech development, and hearing. Dr. Snider believes that having a cleft lip and/or cleft palate should not prevent your child in any way from living his/her best life. She treats all types of clefts and will create an individualized multidisciplinary plan of care to restore your child’s function and appearance, and facilitate growth and development with minimally invasive procedures that provide the greatest long-term result.
Ears
About 1 in 3 children are born with misshapen ears. Abnormal development of the ear anatomy can range from simple ear tags and small asymmetries to significantly prominent ears, microtia (underdeveloped) or anotia (no ear present). The unique cartilaginous structure of the ear can be molded early in life or surgically shaped later in life. Rib cartilage can be used to carve a new ear for those children born without one. It is best to discuss treatment options for your child’s ear anomaly early as some variances can be treated noninvasively in the first few weeks of life. Dr. Snider treats all types of ear anomalies and uses minimally invasive techniques to keep the scars as hidden as possible.
Face
Congenital and acquired facial deformities can range from small single differences to specific syndromes that affect multiple regions of the face. Correcting these malformations requires experience and expertise of a reconstructive craniofacial plastic surgeon, as several procedures performed over the course of your child’s life may be necessary. Dr. Snider treats all types of facial anomalies and works closely with a multidisciplinary team of specialists including otolaryngology, feeding and speech therapy, audiology, genetics, and neurophysiology to bring advanced and individualized care to your child. Dr. Snider plays an integral role in your child’s care team and will be with you and your child through the entire process.
Body
Pediatric reconstructive procedures of the body are designed to improve the function and appearance of children born with specific anomalies. In more severe cases, deformities can be painful, noticeable, interfere with movement and function, and negatively impact self-image. Dr. Snider performs all types of reconstructive plastic surgery throughout the body, and works closely with you and your loved ones to ensure the greatest outcome with the least burden, maximizing your long-term result.
Birthmarks
These are colored skin spots that are present at birth or shortly after. They can vary in size, shape, and color, and may be caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels, pigment cells, or both.
Contact our office today
She is proud to partner with you to provide cutting-edge care, in the safest and most effective manner, with the greatest outcome – every time. Dr. Snider treats all types of craniofacial anomalies and uses a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to facilitate the best treatment with the most innovative techniques. She is especially concerned with your child’s future growth and development and is meticulous about accurate timing of procedures to obtain the best long-term result. Please feel free to contact our office to schedule a consultation.