Department of Neurosurgery
Neuroplastic Center 593 Eddy Street APC6, Providence, RI 02903
Phone (401) 793-3457
Fax (401) 444-2788
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Open Craniosynostosis

Condition

Open cranial vault remodeling is the gold standard technique for the treatment of craniosynostosis. 

With this procedure, the surgical team makes an incision across the scalp. The bones of the skull are then removed and reshaped to normalize the appearance of the head, release pressure on the brain, and provide more room for the growth of the skull. Depending on the issues being addressed, doctors will focus on the back of the skull (sagittal and lambdoid synostosis) or the front (metopic and coronal synostosis).

Treatment

Treatment is recommended within the first year of life to optimize brain development, but may be performed at any age with this procedure.  Besides these standard approaches, the Craniofacial Team also offers endoscopic and distraction techniques to achieve the best possible result.

Team Care

We strongly believe that the best treatment for children with craniofacial abnormalities is with a team approach. Every procedure is performed by both a neurosurgeon and a plastic surgeon, who collaborate to achieve the best care for your child.

Safety

Safety is of utmost importance to our doctors. Our team is proud of their outstanding safety record, which is among the best in the country.

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Before images show child with a triangular head shape from metopic synostosis. Arrow shows the ridge in the middle of the forehead. Note the triangular shape of the head from overhead view.

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After: Surgery normalized the head shape.

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Before

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After

Affiliated Divisions and Care Centers

Neuroplastic Center

The Neuroplastic Center at Brown University Health specializes in advanced care for neuroplastic conditions, combining research and personalized treatment for exceptional patient outcomes.
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People

  • Albert S. Woo, MD

    Albert S. Woo, MD, FACS

    Assistant Professor, Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Hasbro Children’s Hospital
  • Paul Liu, MD

    Paul Liu, MD

    Professor, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Rhode Island Hospital
  • Daniel Kwan, MD

    Daniel Kwan, MD

    Assistant Professor, Chief of Reconstructive Surgery, Lifespan Physician Group
  • Loree K. Kalliainen, MD

    Loree K. Kalliainen, MD

    Associate Professor , Hand and Peripheral Nerve Surgeon, Lifespan Physician Group Plastic Surgery
  • Konstantina Svokos, DO, MS

    Konstantina A. Svokos, DO, MS

    Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics, Director of Fetal Neurosurgery, Co-Director, Neuroplastics, Co-Director, Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine, Pediatric Neurosurgeon
  • Petra Klinge, MD

    Petra Klinge, MD, PhD

    Professor of Neurosurgery, Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Division Director, Center for Surgical Treatment of the Developing Brain and Spine