Craniofacial Disorders, Cleft Palate & Plastic Surgery

Providing innovative treatment for facial and skull disorders.

Facial deformities from Down Syndrome

Down syndrome, or trisomy 21 syndrome, varies in prevalence in different populations from one in 600 to one in 2,000 births. A variety of physical manifestations are present, including differences in facial features.

Facial features characteristic of Down syndrome include:

• Epicanthal folds and slanting eyes
• Flatness of the nose
• Underdevelopment of the upper jaw
• Enlargement of the tongue (macroglossia)
• Recessed chin

Craniofacial surgeons are asked to assist with a variety of problems in children and young adults with Down syndrome, including breathing and sleep apnea, tongue size, bite, and appearance. After a sleep study and other appropriate tests, widening and moving forward the upper jaw can often address airway problems. The bite and appearance are also improved with this procedure. If the tongue is unable to be controlled or maintained in the mouth, a wedge can be removed to shorten and narrow the tongue. Surgical procedures can bring excellent outcomes to properly selected patients, but they must be carefully considered before any decision is made.

Down Syndrome Patient:  Before and After