A baby’s skull needs room to allow the brain to grow. When the skull sutures close too early, or when an injury or earlier operation has left a gap, reconstruction can restore the shape, protect the brain and help the child grow with confidence.
Who it may help
- A baby with a head that is lopsided, flattened or ridged
- Soft spots that close too early
- A visible swelling, dent or bulge on the skull
- A skull defect left by an injury or an earlier operation
- Signs of raised pressure inside the head
Conditions treated
- Craniosynostosis
- Plagiocephaly, scaphocephaly and trigonocephaly
- Skull defects after injury
- Gaps or deformities after surgery
- Encephalocele closure
- Large fontanelle defects and leaks of brain fluid
- Congenital skull abnormalities
Approaches used
- Cranial vault remodelling An open operation that reshapes the skull bones and allows the brain room to grow.
- Strip craniectomy A smaller operation for young infants, often followed by helmet therapy.
- Endoscope-assisted repair Through small incisions, for suitable infants.
- Cranioplasty Closing a skull defect with the child’s own bone or a custom titanium or PEEK implant.
- Staged expansion Several operations over time for complex, syndromic conditions.
Before the procedure
- CT or 3D imaging of the skull
- Blood tests and pediatric anaesthesia review
- Detailed discussion with the family
- Planning with a craniofacial team where appropriate
Recovery: what to expect
- A hospital stay of about 3 to 5 days.
- Observation in intensive care for 24 to 48 hours.
- Swelling settles over 7 to 10 days.
- Stitches are removed after about 7 to 12 days.
- A helmet is used only if advised after a minimally invasive procedure.
- Follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months, with developmental checks.
These are typical timings. Your own plan depends on your condition, your general health and the operation chosen, and Dr. Chakraborty will go through it with you.
Risks to know about
Every operation carries risk. The ones most relevant here are:
- Blood loss, which can be significant in babies and sometimes needs transfusion
- Infection
- Fluid leaks, swelling, or a need for another procedure
- Changes in shape over time in some children
Your own risks depend on your health and your scans, and are explained in detail before you decide on anything.
Common questions
What is the best age for surgery?
For craniosynostosis, operating early, often between 3 and 9 months, gives good results, though older children can also be helped with careful planning.
Will there be a scar?
The incision is placed in the hair-bearing scalp where possible and fades with time.
Is a helmet always needed?
Only after some minimally invasive procedures. We will tell you if your child needs one.
Can the deformity come back?
Once corrected and healed, the shape usually stays stable, but regular follow-up is advised.
This page is general information to help you prepare for a consultation. It is not medical advice and does not replace an examination. Every plan is made for the individual patient.