Bi-Coronal Craino having a Cosmetic 2nd Surgery

[Gavinsmom]

Hi, my son had his surgery for Bi-Coronal Craino about 3 years ago. He needs eye surgery to move the muscles in his eyes to make them more aligned. His craino-facial plastic surgeon thought this would be a good time to also fix some cosmetic issues from his Craino surgery. He is going to add 'bone putty' to each side of his forehead, where they have become quite concave. He may also add a little to give him more of a bridge to his nose. At this same time, to share the anaesthesia, we will fix his one eyelid that is still slightly lower than they other. They didn't quite get it even enough when they did the tosis surgery. I am freaking out at the thought of going though this kind of major surgury again. Has anyone had to go through a similar 2nd surgury?

[Jennifer]

He is sooo cute- love the avator! Emily had a 'touch-up' surgery about 1 1/2 years after her original surgery. They used a 'bone-putty' (she gave me a specific name) to reshape around her one eye that still appeared a bit wider and to fill in a little on the side where it did seem to dent in a bit. While she was in there (used the same incision as the regular full surgery) she smoothed out her forehead (might as well do what we can while we're in there!) It was just as scary as the first one, though I was a bit more calm. During the surgery, I was much more relaxed than the first. Emily was in the PICU for night one, and then we ended up being discharged by the afternoon the day after her surgery. Her eyes did swell shut for a day and a half (I think partially due to the fact that she was running around w/ her sisters and wouldn't sit still). Besided the groggyness of the medication, she acted as if nothing happened.

I'm sorry you have to go through another surgery, but they really do well with it- again, seems as if it's harder on us!

[Gavinsmom]

Thank you Jennifer. Your daughter looks adorable. One night! that's quick. Yes, they did mention using the same incision, which for Gavin is zig zag ear-over-ear. I think I am actually more worried for this surgery because he is now his own little person & can tell me it hurts. And I'll be able to see that he's scared. When he was just 4 months, I knew he'd never remember.

[Jennifer]

Totally understand that. Emily was 22 months at the second surgery- still young, but alot older than she was during her first- 4 1/2 months. One the way to surgery, they gave her 'goofy juice' and my incredibly klingy mommys girl waved goodbye to me and laughed as they wheeled her away. After 24 hours she was on basic tylenol w/ codiene and was fine- we went for a walk that evening, she ran up to her sisters and the next day she was playing (through little eyes) like nothing happened- never once complained of pain.

Now, when we drive be 'Emily's Hospital'- she'll wave and say "me have surgery there- no more surgery!" and then she rubs her eye...it's very cute. So, yes, there is a memory, but she never talks of pain or anything. Of course a 4 year old can describe more, but I really think he will still amaze you.

[Matthews Mommy]

My son was a Sagittal case but just wanted to say I will pray for you! :hugg .

[Lori]

Same as Josette, ... sagittal and we'll pray too. When is his surgery set for? .. and wow is he cute!

[Gavinsmom]

Gavin's surgury is set for May 29th. Thank you for the supportative words and prayers.

[Matthews Mommy]

I have it marked, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Gavinsmom]

Hello,
Just wanted to post that our Gavin had his surgery May 29th and is doing well. His opthamologist performed strabismus eye surgery to move the muscles in both of his eyes. His ocular-plastic surgeon lifted his right eyelid (again) to even out w/the left one. He also had a stint/tube placed in his right tear duct to help widen it, this will come out in another week. He was born with only one tear duct in each eye where we should have two. The surgeon had an instrument ran through both of eyes to unclog the tear ducts when Gavin was two, but the right eye continued to over tear and it chronically got 'green stuff' in that eye.
Then his crainofacial plastic surgeon added some 'bone putty' to the sides of his skull and a little to his forehead to give it a nice shape. The sides of his forehead had become quite concave. Then he bone graphed his nose to give him more of a bridge.
Three surgeons and 5 hours later, they were done. It was a very long and stressful day for us and quite the scary flashback to his orginal bi-coronal craino surgery, but Gavin will be much better off with these corrections.
It's now been 2 weeks and he's doing great. One more week and he's allowed to return to all normal activities.

If anyone has to go through something similar, please feel free to ask ?'s.
I'm going to attempt to attach pic's from the hospital.

[Jennifer]

Oh my goodness- that is one swollen baby you had! What did Gavin say about it? I'm always curious as to what their reactions are when they can talk about it? Can we see a recent picture? Sounds like a long day, but also sounds like he did great! Thanks so much for the update.

How are you doing? Baby brother in 2 months!

[Gavinsmom]

Here is a photo from today. The stitches (dissolvable) are still there ear over ear, but his hair hides them nicely. If you look closely you can see the clear tube from his eye to his nose. I am so amazed that he has not touched this or asked about it once. He hasn't mentioned the hospital stay once. On the way home, he did say, "all done with doctors, I go home" He never complained of pain and whenever I'd ask him if he had any ouchies, he'd say no. I think he was afraid to say yes. It is amazing that they send these little ones home on just tylenol & tylenol w/codine. Other than being more on the cranky, needy side, he's already back to normal. It is amazing how quickly he's recovered.
I stressed about this surgery for four long months and I am so relieved it's over. My pregnancy is good and now that the surgery is over, I can concentrated on being excited about his arrival.

[Jennifer]

Look at that smile! So sweet. Nope, can't see the stitches at all. That is impressive that he hasn't touched the tube! Way to go Gavin! How long will the tube be in again?