Being a New York Craniofacial Surgeon

Craniofacial Surgery

Many friends and colleagues often ask what is a craniofacial surgeon?  Craniofacial surgery involves the reconstructive of the skull and the face. This may be for congenital issues (birth related), trauma related, or due to a history of cancer.  After completing plastic surgery training, I went on to do an extra year of fellowship training in pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery.  This prepared me to tackle all problems related to the craniofacial skeleton.

Craniosynostosis is a common craniofacial problem that we treat by rearranging the bones of the skull and eye socket to relieve pressure on the growing brain and restore anatomic normalcy.  Crouzon and Apert syndrome are more common syndromic craniosynostosis that often also require facial reconstruction of the midface and jaw as well.  

Micropthalmia (small or missing eye) is another craniofacial problem that i correct using bone grafts, spacers and implants.  I have incorporated a new method for magnetic implant reconstruction using titanium posts directly embedded into a medpor sphere in the orbit.

Cleft Lip and Palate are the most common craniofacial surgeries i perform in our New York and Long Island locations.  We work with a dedicated cleft team allowing a true multidisciplinary approach.

Pierre Robin sequence or micrognanthia are jaw related issues causing breathing issues in infants.  Using mandible lengthening procedures such as distraction osteogenesis, i can correct the mandible and relieve the airway issues.

Trauma causing ZMC, orbit or midface fractures are also common problems treated by craniofacial surgeons.  The bones of the face must be re-aligned to allow for proper anatomic restoration.

These are just of the issues treated by our team.  Please feel free to contact Dr. Nicholas Bastidas with any questions.