Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) are a group of deformities involving the growth of the head and facial bones. There are many factors that may lead to their development, including:

Combination of genes: A child may receive a combination of gene(s) from one or both parents, or there may be a change in the genes at the time of conception. This can lead to a craniofacial anomaly.

Folic acid deficiency: Folic acid is a B vitamin found in orange juice, fortified breakfast cereals, enriched grain products and green, leafy vegetables. Studies have shown that women who do not get enough folic acid during pregnancy may have a higher risk of having a baby with certain congenital anomalies.

Some of the most common types of craniofacial anomalies include:

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate: A separation that occurs in the lip or the roof of the mouth (palate) or both. Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies seen at birth.

Craniosynostosis: A condition in which the sutures (soft spots) in the skull close too early. This causes problems with brain and skull growth. Premature closure of the sutures may also cause the pressure inside of the head to increase and the skull or facial bones to change.

Hemifacial microsomia: Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a condition in which the tissue on one side of the face is underdeveloped. It normally impacts the ear (aural), mouth (oral) and jaw (mandibular) areas. Sometimes, both sides of the face can be impacted and may involve the skull as well as the face.

Vascular malformation: This is a birthmark or a growth that is present at birth. It is composed of blood vessels that can cause problems with function or appearance. Vascular malformations may impact multiple body systems. There are many different types of malformations. Vascular malformations are also known as lymphangiomas, arteriovenous malformations and vascular gigantism.

Hemangioma: This is a type of birthmark that is the most common non-cancerous (benign) tumor of the skin. Hemangiomas may be present at birth as a faint red mark or show up in the first months after birth. A hemangioma is also known as a port wine stain, strawberry hemangioma and salmon patch.

Deformational (or positional) plagiocephaly: A misshapen shape of the head from repeated pressure to the same area of the head.

Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis, or mandibular bone lengthening, is a process to treat underdeveloped bones. It is especially useful in the treatment of small jaws in infants and children. When successful, it may avoid the need for a breathing tube in children born with small jaws who have difficulty breathing.

Treatment for Deformational Plagiocephaly

The exact treatment will be decided by your child's doctor based on the severity of the deformational plagiocephaly.