The TEAM of scientists who contribute to the treatment of Clefts and other Facial Deformities, includes the following specialists:
Craniofacial Plastic Surgeon
Comes into contact with the patient’s family from the moment of birth, planning the surgeries to be carried out. The first surgeries, which are associated with the aesthetic and functional recovery of the patient, are the ones that will determine the full or incomplete recovery of the patient. Any unappropriated surgeries and failures– especially in the initial stages – lead to partial restoration, omitting the possibility of total treatment of the patient’s condition. Craniofacial Plastic Surgeons of the MEDICLEFT TEAM are Dr. George Psaras and Dr. Costas Alexandrou, Director of the Hellenic Craniofacial Center (HCC).
Orthodontist – Specialist in Clefts and Facial Deformities
Settles and moves the teeth where needed. Supports the efforts of the plastic surgeon and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Implements “presurgical orthopedics” (NAM) from the first week of the birth, in order to have a correct preparation of all anatomical structures for the first operation, which will be performed when the baby is three months of age.
Orthodontist – Specialist in Clefts and Facial Deformities of the MEDICLEFT TEAM is Dr. Christodoulos Laspos.
Speech-language Pathologist
Speech language therapy is essential during the preschool and school period of a child’s life. Speech therapy will treat the child to have the right utterance, to correct speech problems. In collaboration with the plastic surgeon, will decide on the possible need for pharyngoplasty.
Speech-language pathologists of the MEDICLEFT TEAM are Maria Kyriacou Solomonidou and Sofronia Stavrinides.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon collaborates with the orthodontist and the plastic surgeon for the necessary surgery on jaws, like bone graft and orthognathic surgery.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon of the MEDICLEFT TEAM is Dr. Zoe Nicolaou. Dr Nicolaou has special interest and expertise in Orthognathic surgery.
Otolaryngologist (ENT)
Frequent infections of the upper respiratory tract and ear problems in particular, make the supervision by an ENT essential, in order to avoid subsequent problems. If necessary, he puts ventilation tubes during the surgery for lip closure.
Otolaryngologist the of MEDICLEFT TEAM is Dr. Fyras Khalil.
Pediatric Dentist
With frequent examinations ensures to preserve the child’s teeth in good condition. This will help later in the orthodontic and surgical treatment. Pediatric Dentists of the MEDICLEFT TEAM are Dr. Mando Angelidou and Dr. Stella Ioannou.
Prosthodontist
Collaborates with the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and the Orthodontist to restore teeth that may be missing.
Prosthodontist of the MEDICLEFT TEAM is Dr. Paraskevas Paraskeva.
Neurosurgeon
Essential to collaborate with the plastic surgeon in craniosynostosis surgeries and in Le Fort III surgeries on children with syndromes like Apert and Crouzon.
Neurosurgeon of the MEDICLEFT TEAM is Dr. Kanaris Panagopoulos.
Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cooperation with the plastic surgeon is essential , when facial deformities include abnormalities that involve the orbits.
Ophthalmic Surgeon of the MEDICLEFT TEAM is Dr. Panagos Arvanitis.
Physical Therapist
Works closely with the plastic surgeon in treatments of children with plagiocephaly.
Physical Therapist of the MEDICLEFT TEAM is Melios Athanasiades with a great experience since he has been working with Dr Shaton for at least 10 years.
Geneticist
The geneticist has also a very important role in the TEAM. He informs about the possibility of having the next child with the same problem and he consults the patient himself, when he reaches the age to have his own family. He also makes a diagnosis if there is a syndrome.
Pediatrician
Checks the child from the first day of his/her life and is responsible for his/her proper nutrition and weight gain, so that the infant can cope with the procedures of the surgeries that will start from the third month of his/her life.
Psychologist
Supports the parents but also prepares the child and monitors his/her behavior especially during the first school year.
Psychologist of the MEDICLEFT TEAM is Antigoni Vasiliadou.
If you have any questions or need additional information about the treatment of clefts, please contact + 357 25735050 or send us an e-mail at info@medicleft.com.
The TEAM of Scientists of the Cyprus Center for Clefts and Facial Deformities, MEDICLEFT, is at your disposal.