Conveniently located to serve New York City, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island
When your child is diagnosed with craniosynostosis, you need a surgeon who combines advanced surgical expertise with compassionate care. Dr. James P. Bradley, a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon, provides comprehensive craniosynostosis treatment for families throughout New York City, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
Understanding Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion (closure) of the cranial sutures or spaces between the bone plates of the skull. This usually happens before birth and is recognized in infancy. Although a positional skull deformity may be corrected by helmet therapy, craniosynostosis requires surgical correction. More commonly, craniosynostosis occurs by itself; however, it may be associated with a syndrome like Crouzon or Apert Syndrome.
The types of craniosynostosis include:
- Sagittal synostosis: suture-top of skull from front to back results in a long, narrow head
- Coronal synostosis-Unilateral (one side): suture above the ear to the top of the skull; results in one forehead flat and the other bulging
- Coronal synostosis-Bilateral (both sides): results in a flat, high forehead
- Metopic synostosis: Trigonocephaly-suture in the middle of the forehead, up and down; results in a pointy or triangular forehead
- Lamboidal synostosis: suture back of head, asymmetric bulging back of head
Correction of Craniosynostosis Objectives
- Release the fused cranial suture
- Recontour the head to its normal shape
- Safe procedure with minimal need for blood products
State-of-the-Art Techniques
Dr. Bradley works closely with a pediatric neurosurgeon for optimal safety during the procedure. We utilize advanced craniofacial imaging, employ meticulous blood conservation techniques, leverage endoscopic methods where appropriate, use resorbable fixation plates for stable, natural growth, and provide the best perioperative care. View the successful outcomes of our advanced techniques in our Before & After Gallery.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Craniosynostosis
Symptoms of craniosynostosis can vary depending on the sutures involved, but common signs include:
- An unusual head shape
- A raised, hard ridge along the affected sutures
- Slow or no growth of the head as the baby grows
- Increased intracranial pressure leading to symptoms like irritability, vomiting, and bulging fontanelles
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to confirm suture closure and assess the extent of the condition. This imaging provides detailed 3D views of the skull bones and sutures, allowing Dr. Bradley to plan the most effective treatment strategy.
Surgery Options for Craniosynostosis
The primary treatment for craniosynostosis is surgery, which is designed to separate the prematurely fused sutures, reshape the skull, and create space for the brain to grow normally. Dr. Bradley is proficient in traditional and minimally invasive techniques and tailors the approach to each child’s specific condition, age, and severity.
Endoscopic Suturectomy
Ideal for infants under 3-6 months, this minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and an endoscope to release fused sutures. Benefits include less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and smaller scars. A custom cranial helmet is used to guide skull reshaping. Dr. Bradley is a leading expert in endoscopic suturectomy in NYC and the surrounding areas.
Cranial Vault Remodeling
This traditional “open repair” involves a larger incision (hidden in the hairline) to access and reshape skull bones directly for older infants or complex cases. Dr. Bradley meticulously corrects the deformity, allowing proper brain growth and achieving a natural head contour with lasting results. Our practice offers advanced cranial vault remodeling in Brooklyn and across the region.
The Treatment Journey
During the treatment, Dr. Bradley performs the surgery alongside a specialized pediatric anesthesia team to ensure the highest level of safety and care for your child. After the treatment, your child will typically have a hospital stay of a few days, receiving expert post-operative care and pain management.Â
This is followed by regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and development. Custom cranial helmet therapy guidance will be provided if an endoscopic approach is used. Our team continuously supports your child’s long-term well-being, focusing on optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Choosing the Right Craniofacial Surgeon in NYC
Selecting an experienced craniofacial surgeon in NYC is essential for successful craniosynostosis treatment. Dr. James P. Bradley is a highly regarded craniofacial surgeon in New York City, known for his expertise and compassionate approach to pediatric craniofacial surgery in NYC. It is important to seek a surgeon who is not only skilled in the technical aspects of the surgery but also understands the emotional and psychological needs of the child and family.
Scheduling a Consultation
If you suspect your child has craniosynostosis, early consultation is key. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bradley for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Dr. Bradley’s practice is an excellent choice if you’re considering craniosynostosis surgery in New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS PROCEDURE IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
The procedure will be tailored to your child’s problems. Endoscopic repair may be performed if the patient is less than three months of age, but will require helmet therapy postoperatively. Most of the time, your child will leave the operating room with full correction that does not require helmet therapy.
WILL MY CHILD NEED FURTHER SURGERY IN THE FUTURE?
If your child has isolated craniosynostosis, it is unlikely he/she will need subsequent surgery. However, we have you follow up with our craniofacial team yearly to check for any signs of increased intracranial pressure or contour irregularities. If these occur, a revisionary procedure may be necessary.
HOW IS PAIN MANAGED AFTER SURGERY?
Your child’s comfort is a top priority. Our medical team utilizes a comprehensive pain management plan, including appropriate medications, to make sure that your child is as comfortable as possible during their hospital stay and upon returning home. We will provide detailed instructions for at-home pain relief.
WILL THERE BE NOTICEABLE SCARRING?
Dr. Bradley is a skilled plastic surgeon who employs techniques to minimize visible scarring. For endoscopic surgery, incisions are very small. For open cranial vault remodeling, the incision is typically placed across the top of the head, hidden within the hairline, becoming less noticeable over time.
WHAT IS THE LONG-TERM OUTLOOK FOR CHILDREN WHO UNDERGO CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS SURGERY?
The long-term outlook for children treated for craniosynostosis is generally excellent. The goal of surgery is to allow for normal brain growth and achieve a natural head shape. Most children go on to live healthy, normal lives with no long-term developmental issues related to the condition, especially with early intervention.
