A baby born with an exceptionally large tongue can now finally smile.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a rare condition that affects approximately 300 American newborns each year. This syndrome is characterized by the enlargement of organs or body parts. In the case of Paisley, a young girl from South Dakota, she was diagnosed with this syndrome when she was 16 months old.

One of the prominent features of Paisley’s illness was the significant enlargement of her tongue, which grew to be double the size of her small mouth. Madison, Paisley’s 21-year-old mother, explained that her daughter’s tongue was always protruding and she continuously chewed on it due to its size. As a result, Paisley would often make unusual facial expressions.

Due to the severity of her condition, doctors were concerned that Paisley might face difficulties in breathing when she was born. To ensure her safety, she was connected to a ventilator to assist her breathing. At six months old, Paisley underwent a surgery where five centimeters of her tongue were removed, but unfortunately, the situation did not improve significantly. However, a second life-saving surgery allowed her to fully close her mouth by removing a substantial section of her tongue.

Paisley received her diagnosis and spent three and a half months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Sioux Falls. She underwent her initial tongue reduction surgery at six months old, followed by a second one at thirteen months, as advised by the doctor. The surgeon who performed the surgery expressed astonishment, stating that Paisley had the largest tongue he had ever seen in such a young infant. Since the surgeries, Paisley’s condition has significantly improved, according to her mother.

Today, Paisley can consume adult food, has started speaking, and is even beginning to erupt teeth, alleviating concerns about choking. In a recent development, she took her first steps, marking an exciting milestone in her progress. Furthermore, Paisley can now smile, which brings immense joy to her mother. Previously, Paisley had not smiled due to her condition, making this a remarkable transformation for her. She is also nearing the milestone of uttering her first words, a significant achievement considering her previous difficulties in vocalizing sounds like “mama” and “dada.”

Medical experts will continue to closely monitor Paisley’s health until the age of eight when the risk of acquiring any carcinogenic tumors associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome declines significantly. She will undergo regular check-ups every three months to ensure her well-being and early detection of any potential issues.

Paisley’s journey showcases the resilience and determination of both the young girl and her medical team. With the support of her family and dedicated healthcare professionals, she is overcoming the challenges posed by Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and making remarkable progress towards a healthier and happier life.

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