The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Craniofacial surgery
TREATMENT TO CORRECT HEAD AND FACIAL ABNORMALITIES
Reconstructive surgery can help to repair damage or deformity of the skull resulting from injury or disease
What is craniofacial reconstruction?
Craniofacial reconstruction surgery can improve or correct a range of deformities of the skull as well as damage caused by trauma to the head or face.
Our multidisciplinary teams of surgeons will work together to rebuild tissue, facial features and bone structure to achieve the best cosmetic result.
Need to know
Your procedure will be personalised to make sure you have the most effective treatment for your condition. Craniofacial surgery is always done under general anaesthetic.
Pieces of bone (grafts) may be taken from your pelvis or ribs to rebuild the spaces where the bones of your face and head have been damaged. Small metal screws and plates are sometimes used to hold the bones in place during the healing process. Because craniofacial reconstruction often involves delicate and specialised procedures, surgery can take anywhere from four to 14 hours to complete and can involve a team of specialists.
Pieces of bone (grafts) may be taken from your pelvis or ribs to rebuild the spaces where the bones of your face and head have been damaged. Small metal screws and plates are sometimes used to hold the bones in place during the healing process. Because craniofacial reconstruction often involves delicate and specialised procedures, surgery can take anywhere from four to 14 hours to complete and can involve a team of specialists.
Before treatment, you'll likely have a range of scans, such as a CT scan, X-ray or MRI to determine the extent of the malformation or damage to your skull.
Once your consultant has determined the best surgical approach for you, they'll explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll also let you know how long to avoid eating and drinking before your operation.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Once your consultant has determined the best surgical approach for you, they'll explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll also let you know how long to avoid eating and drinking before your operation.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Depending on the complexity of your operation, you may be cared for in our intensive care unit at the hospital and then to our neurological rehabilitation unit for an extended period after your surgery.
Follow-up procedures may also be needed. Your consultant will let you know what to expect. They'll also work closely with you and your family to help you make a full recovery.
Follow-up procedures may also be needed. Your consultant will let you know what to expect. They'll also work closely with you and your family to help you make a full recovery.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Craniofacial surgery locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.