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Baby Paul Lukas' StoryBaby Paul Lukas was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, a condition that results in a small jaw, cleft palate and big tongue. The critical problem was that when he was laid on his back, his tongue blocked his airway, causing him to turn blue and go into respiratory distress. During jaw distraction surgery, the bone of the jaw is separated and distractors are placed on both sides. The baby stays in the neonatal intensive care unit for two weeks, during which time the distraction devices are turned twice a day to help lengthen the jaw. Ideally, the jaw will grow 3 cm by the end of the two-week period, providing enough space for the tongue to lie properly and allow normal airway breathing. The baby goes home with the distractors in place (but hidden under the cheek) while the bone continues to grow. No additional turning is required. Three months later, the device is removed during an outpatient surgery. After Paul's parents took him home, his father, remarked, "We can now hug him, baby him, take care of him, and be normal parents." Learn MoreTo learn more about the UCLA Plastic Surgery, visit www.plasticsurgery.ucla.edu UCLA Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Click here to learn more about Dr. Bradley Visit our Health Encyclopedia for more information on
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