Timing of reduction glossoplasty and clinical outcomes in children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Background: Macroglossia in pediatric patients, particularly those with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), can cause airway compromise, feeding difficulties, and dentofacial abnormalities. However, the optimal timing of reduction glossoplasty and its impact on clinical outcomes remain uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of reduction glossoplasty in children with BWS, with particular emphasis on the association between age at surgery and postoperative outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 21 pediatric patients with macroglossia who underwent reduction glossoplasty between 2017 and 2025 at a single institution. Patients were stratified into younger and older groups according to the median age at surgery (16.8 months). Associations between age at surgery and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: All patients had BWS. Malocclusion occurred in 61.9% of patients and was significantly associated with older age at surgery (median 23.3 vs. 13.4 months, Conclusions: Reduction glossoplasty is a feasible treatment for children with BWS-associated macroglossia. Younger age at surgery was associated with a lower prevalence of malocclusion, whereas age at surgery was not significantly associated with postoperative complications. These findings support individualized surgical decision-making that balances potential dentofacial benefits against perioperative risks.