RED stands for
Rigid External Distraction and is a procedure designed to correct (in part) a number of craniofacial syndromes including
Apert's, Pfieffer's, and Crouzon's. Way back in medical history (a few years ago), "craniofacial kids" most
always had a traditional midface advancement where the entire midface was isolated and advanced in surgery. While
this procedure did often provide satisfactory results, the length and complexity of the surgery, along with the long recovery
time required of the patient, made this procedure seem less than ideal.
The RED, as everyone who's been through
it knows, is hardly a fun or easy process. However, the concept of moving the midface bone forward gradually and
allowing new bone to form between the gaps seemed less painful and less dramatic than the traditional LaFort III procedure.
Because I have not had the older traditional midface advancement, I don't know how the patient experience of the "old" way
compares with the newer RED way. However, according to my surgeon and several others I've talked with, RED is more effective
in maintaining long term results.
The RED device
is attached while in surgery. Screws attach the halo-like device to the head, and pins and/or wires under
the skin attached the vertical crossbar that runs in front of the center of the face to the skull. It is rather
complicated to describe accurately with words, so I suggest that anyone considering this have a good conversation with their
surgeon. How the device is attached to the skull often depends on the individual's case.
After the surgery,
the screws are then turned a little bit each day (or several times a day) with a special wrench, gradually advancing
the midface forward. The screw-turning continues for however long the surgeon "prescribes" to attain the goal.
This is usually a few weeks. Once the turning is stopped, the patient must (patiently) continue to wear bulky device
for another month as a retention device.
Obviously, this doesn't sound fun.
To be honest, it's not. To be blunt: it's really unfun. However, several people, including myself, have been through
this procedure and can tell you that all of this was worth it. This site is to help you as much as possible to be comfortable
during this procedure.
Questions:
Does it hurt? Yes.
Are you sure? Yes.
Really? Yes.
Then why do all these articles tell me it's 'pain free' and
so 'wondeful'? They've never been through it.
Are you TRYING to stress me out? No.
SHOULD I stress out and act like a chicken with it's head
cut off? No, I've already tried that, it didn't work
Does it hurt like you're going to die? No.
Does it hurt as much as the traditional way*? Probably
not.**
Does it get a better result than the traditional way? Usually,
yes.**
Do you heal faster? Usually, yes.**
Will you have to have the RED done as many times as the traditional
way? Usually, no.**
*The traditional
is to have the midface is brought fo rward wIthin one big surgery.
**Since I have never been through the "traditional" way, these
answers are based on what others have told me.
The answer to question #1 (and #2 and #3) really varies with everyone.
If you have never gone through this before, you have probably heard the sugar-coated version of the experience from your surgeon
or the RED company, and various people who have never gone through it. Yes, it does hurt, but you'll pull through. Everyone
who has contributed to the site knows this. Please don't let this site scare you, I'm only being honest so you can have it
straight. Sometimes, the anticipation up until O-Day (Operation Day) is worse than O-Day itself.
Please talk to your surgeon with any of your other questions!
