Conditions

Similar to tongue-ties, lip-ties can be addressed in our clinic as the medical community grows increasingly aware of the problems associated with a tied maxillary frenum, commonly known as lip-tied. A lip-tie, like a tongue-tie, is a restrictive piece of tissue (frenulum) between the inside upper lip and gum line. A simple release of this band of tissue can help the movement of the lip…

“I was told that my child is ‘tongue-tied.’ What does that mean and what is the best way to treat it?”  This question is an increasingly common one asked in our clinic, as the medical community grows increasingly aware of the problems associated with ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tied. This condition involves the cord of tissue, known as a frenulum, that runs from the underside…

When a child has a cold or stuffy nose, their speech can be affected and it can sound very “nasal-y.” Some parents experience this type of speech on a daily basis with their child. Children suffering from a form of speech impairment known as VPI, or velopharyngeal insufficiency, speak with this nasal-like and muffled tone/hypernasality constantly. It occurs when there is not enough soft tissue…

Breast issues in children may seem like an oddity, but they are actually quite common, in both boys and girls. One of the most frequent pediatric breast conditions we see is breast asymmetry, where one breast is larger than the other. The difference in size can be due to certain underlying conditions, trauma experienced to the chest or breast bud area hindering growth and development,…

At times, scars are considered badges of honor–reminders of an exciting adventure, or a sign that you beat the odds to overcome something like a traumatic injury or serious illness. Other times, a permanent scar is not so celebrated. The scars in this category can draw unwelcome attention and become a source of self-consciousness. Such scars can change the shape of a facial feature, cause physical…

A simple handshake can be a physically and emotionally challenging task for someone born with a congenital hand difference.  Our goal at Wellspring Craniofacial Group is to tend to both challenges.  Surprisingly common, hand differences affect 1 out of every 20 babies and can impact both the shape and function of a child’s hand.  These types of issues develop while a baby is still in the womb. …

Gynecomastia occurs in adolescent boys when there is excess tissue growth in the chest area, leading to the appearance of female-like breasts. It is a common disorder of the endocrine system fueled by hormonal imbalances during puberty, and we see it in patients frequently at Wellspring Craniofacial. Most cases of gynecomastia resolve themselves after about two years as bodily proportions and hormonal fluctuations even out….

The second type of vascular birthmark is referred to as a vascular malformation.  The term “vascular malformation” refers to a collection of birthmarks. Generally speaking, the type of vascular tissue defines the type of birthmark: a proliferation of capillaries defines a capillary malformation, a proliferation of veins defines a venous malformation, a proliferation of lymphatic vessels defines a lymphatic malformation, and so on. Malformations include: Nevus…

Various types of pigmented nevi exist. They share one commonality: pigmentation that differs from surrounding skin. Nevi are by definition benign (or non-cancerous), and the vast majority do not require any treatment or intervention. However, some nevi require closer attention, and these include congenital melanocytic nevus, acquired melanocytic nevus in an aesthetically sensitive area such as the face, and nevus sebaceous. What is a Congenital Melanocytic…

From physical well being to normal development, you want the best for your baby. The doctors at Wellspring Craniofacial Group honor this commitment and provide expertise in various birthmarks and vascular malformations, including hemangiomas. Image source: Thinkstock Understanding “Strawberry” Birthmarks While hemangiomas can appear anywhere on the body, the ones that appear on the face may be the most surprising for parents. The same can…