KKH Launches PlagioCentre – Singapore’s First 3D Helmet Therapy Centre For Flat Head Syndrome

Singapore parents, here’s a new reason to breathe easier—KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has just launched the country’s first-ever PlagioCentre, a dedicated clinic that tackles flat head syndrome in infants with expert care and cutting-edge tech. Now offering customized 3D-printed helmets for treatment, KKH is the first public hospital in Singapore to provide this service. This game-changing option is part of a holistic approach to address plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (a.k.a. flat head syndrome), which has seen a 36% rise in cases at KKH over the last two years. That’s more than 1,000 babies affected in 2024 alone!

Flat head syndrome occurs when babies develop a misshapen head due to prolonged pressure on one area—often from lying in the same position. While many cases resolve naturally as babies grow, moderate to severe cases may need intervention. This can include physiotherapy, observation, and now, helmet therapy, which is especially effective for infants under eight months old.

Here’s where the 3D-printed magic happens: using a scan of your baby’s head, KKH’s PlagioCentre creates a customized, lightweight, breathable helmet designed to guide the baby’s skull to grow into a more symmetrical shape. Babies wear it for up to 23 hours a day, and most show visible improvements within just 2–3 months. Early intervention is key, and this new center makes that easier than ever.

Supported by a multidisciplinary team including neonatologists, physiotherapists, and orthotists, the KKH PlagioCentre offers personalized care plans for each little one, all under one roof. It’s a big step in early childhood health—ensuring our tiniest citizens grow up happy, healthy, and helmet-free.