Velopharanyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) occurs when the soft palate can not effectively close off the connection between the nose and the mouth allowing air to escape through the nose. This make lead to very nasal speech and make it hard for people to understand your child when he or she is speaking. The motion of the soft palate can be evaluated using endoscopy (small camera placed through the nose). If indicated, surgery can be performed to help close off the connection and improve speech. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial and cleft abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
Read More » Cutis Aplasia Newborns may sometimes presents with patchy areas of the scalp missing skin or bone with exposed dural (sac covering brain) tissue. Small defects may be treated conservatively with moist dressings but sometimes surgery is required to close the “holes”. This is often accomplished using tissue expanders and skin grafts. The bone defect can sometimes fill in on its own without the need for bone grafts. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
Read More » Dermoid Cysts Dermoid cysts are masses (bumps) commonly found in the region of the nose, eye brow, and scalp of young children. They may grow with age and can cause inflammatory reactions or an infection when they rupture. The permanent treatment involves surgical excision of the cyst in its entirety. Cysts in the region of the nose and eye may have extension to within the skull and sometimes an MRI will be necessary to determine the depth of excision. Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
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Deformational Plagiocephaly External forces from compression in utero or from molding by lying on the back of the head can cause an abnormal head shape known as deformational plagiocephaly. The compressed back part of the head induces a compensatory bulging of the forehead on the same side leading to the classic trapezoidal shape skull when viewed from above. . Sometimes this can be the result of neck muscle spasm (torticollis) which may require physical therapy to allow the head to fully move from side to side. The treatment involves repositioning your child, tummy time, and sometimes a molding helmet may be needed for 4-6 months. Earlier intervention leads to superior outcomes. It is important to not overlook the possibility for craniosynostosis as a cause of the abnormal head shape, which would not get better without corrective surgery. Will an abnormal head shape affect my child’s intelligence or development? Deformational plagiocephaly unlike craniosynostosis has not been linked to intracranial pressure (ICP) and thus is not thought to result in any developmental delay. However, children with poor muscle tone and developmental delay have been shown to have higher incidences of deformational plagiocephaly (since they do not move their heads to relieve the forces). When should we start helmet therapy? Typically 6 months How many hours a day must the helmet be worn? 23 hours/day ideally Dr. Nicholas Bastidas is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in the treatment of pediatric and adult craniofacial, cleft and vascular abnormalities. Dr. Bastidas is a leader in craniofacial surgical procedures and serves the Long Island and greater New York region. Call us today at (516) 497-7900. We are looking forward to serving you and your...
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