Surgical Treatment for Down Syndrome

At the International Craniofacial Center, we specialize in craniofacial surgery of all types. Sometimes craniofacial surgery involves treatment for Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome children often have abnormalities in facial features that sometimes require craniofacial surgery. Born with small mid-faces, Down Syndrome children may need craniofacial surgery as part of their treatment for Down Syndrome. In these cases, craniofacial surgery can correct the nasal abnormalities and the small mid-faces often seen with these children.

Surgical treatment for Down Syndrome can be cosmetic or medical in nature. Cosmetically, treatment for Down Syndrome may help a child be less noticeable as a Down Syndrome child. With medical therapy, treatment for Down Syndrome may be directed at the sleep apnea often seen in these children. Treatment for Down Syndrome can involve improving the amount of space in the nasal cavity using craniofacial surgery or, in other cases, removing the uvula or part of the palate to improve sleep apnea. Treatment for Down Syndrome can significantly improve these conditions and reduce the risk of the complications of sleep apnea.

Craniofacial Surgery can provide relief of certain Down Syndrome conditions

Many people believe that the treatment for Down Syndrome involves treating their mental disabilities alone or that Down Syndrome children need no treatment. For Down Syndrome sufferers, however, treatment for Down Syndrome can involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical therapy and, in some situations, treatment for Down Syndrome involves necessary craniofacial surgery to correct the facial abnormalities that can cause serious consequences if not dealt with. 

Parents need to know that treatment for Down Syndrome shouldn't be taken lightly. Craniofacial surgery can be risky and the outcome uncertain. The child may still have facial features suggestive of Down Syndrome or may not benefit at all from surgical treatment for Down Syndrome. Fears about treatment for Down Syndrome, however, shouldn't stop a family from obtaining the necessary treatment for Down Syndrome, including craniofacial surgery, if the child needs it.

If there is a problem that needs addressing by means of craniofacial surgery, this kind of treatment for Down Syndrome may be the only way the child can have a normal life. Through craniofacial surgery, the child can look better and breathe easier at night. They can breathe better through their nasal passages as well. Without craniofacial surgery, treatment for Down Syndrome may involve the use of oxygen at night, the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or some other conservative medical management.