Olivia: A Super Girl with Powerful Care

“I'm a super girl. I can fight off what makes me scared in enough time for the surgery.” – Olivia

At just 3 days old, Olivia came to Valley Children’s Hospital. She was diagnosed with Antley-Bixler syndrome, which causes structural changes to bones and the face. This prevented her from easily performing essential life skills such as eating and breathing. While Olivia has had several surgeries since birth, at 7 years old she experienced virtual surgery planning (VSP) to undergo a life-changing surgical intervention that led to a miraculous transition.

Virtual surgery planning uses 3D modeling to prepare for the surgical placement of a device called a distractor – in this case, it would gradually reposition Olivia’s jaw. This state-of-the-art technology provided Olivia and her family with a visual model of how the procedure would happen, while allowing her surgeon to pinpoint the exact points of positioning. This process led to less operation time, less anesthesia and more control for the best outcome.

Today, Olivia can open and close her mouth, allowing her to eat and breathe on her own, she no longer has headaches and she has been able to forgo some of her medications. Because of Olivia’s strength and bravery, along with the expert care at Valley Children’s, she can focus on what she loves most – playing and watching Iron Man movies!
 

Excellence in the Surgical Repair of Craniofacial Anomalies

Valley Children's experienced plastic and reconstructive sugery team offers the most advanced surgical techniques for craniofacial surgery. For more than a decade, the team has earned approval from the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), making it one of only 190 ACPA-accredited teams in the U.S. and Canada. Learn more about our team's expertise in the craniofacial surgery >>