Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery

Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital conditions in which the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, or both do not fully form during early development. These conditions can affect feeding, speech, hearing, dental development, and facial appearance. Our approach to cleft care focuses on restoring normal anatomy while supporting healthy growth, function, and confidence from infancy through adolescence.

Comprehensive, Team‑Based Care

Children with cleft lip and palate benefit from coordinated care across multiple specialties. We work with our colleagues in Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT), Audiology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Orthodontics, feeding specialists & Speech Therapy to offer the best surgical treatment where it is carefully timed and planned in collaboration with pediatric specialists to address both immediate needs and long‑term development. 

Cleft Lip Repair

Cleft lip repair is typically performed in early infancy. The procedure restores the natural shape of the lip and nose while preserving muscle function and minimizing scarring. Special attention is given to nasal symmetry and lip balance to support normal feeding, facial expression, and appearance as the child grows.

Cleft Palate Repair

Cleft palate repair is usually performed later in infancy to close the opening in the roof of the mouth. The goal of surgery is to create a functional palate that supports normal speech development, feeding, and middle ear health. Careful reconstruction of the palate muscles is essential for optimal speech outcomes.

Ongoing Care Through Childhood

Children with cleft lip and palate often require long‑term follow‑up as they grow. This may include speech therapy, ear and hearing evaluation, dental and orthodontic care, and additional surgical procedures if needed. Monitoring facial growth and development allows care to be adjusted at each stage of childhood and adolescence.

A Focus on Function and Appearance

Every surgical plan is individualized to the child’s needs, anatomy, and stage of development. Our goal is to achieve natural facial appearance, clear speech, healthy feeding, and strong long‑term outcomes while minimizing the number of procedures whenever possible.

Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

We recognize that a cleft diagnosis affects the entire family. From the first consultation through recovery and long‑term care, families education, guidance, and compassionate support are crucial to make informed decisions and feel confident in their child’s care.

Microtia Treatment

Microtia is a congenital condition in which the external ear does not fully develop. It can range from a mildly small or misshapen ear to the near absence of the ear and may be associated with hearing differences. Treatment focuses on restoring ear form, improving symmetry, and addressing hearing needs while supporting normal growth and development.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Each child with microtia undergoes a detailed evaluation to assess ear anatomy, facial symmetry, and hearing. Treatment planning is individualized based on the type of microtia, the child’s age, overall health, and family goals. Care is coordinated with pediatric hearing specialists and pediatric otolaryngologists to offer the best approach.

Reconstructive Options

Several reconstructive options are available for microtia, and the choice of treatment depends on the child’s anatomy and timing of intervention. Surgical reconstruction may involve creating a natural‑appearing ear framework from the child's chest cartilage and positioning it to match the opposite side. Other options utilize the use of 3D printed implants that have a realistic ear that gets covered with the child's own tissue to recreate an ear. Other options include a prosthetic. Most reconstructive procedures may require staged procedures to achieve the best aesthetic and structural outcome.

Timing of Treatment

Microtia reconstruction is typically planned during childhood, when ear growth and rib cartilage development allow for durable reconstruction while minimizing the impact on growth. The timing is carefully selected to balance surgical safety, aesthetic outcomes, and the child’s psychosocial development.

Hearing Considerations

Because microtia may be associated with ear canal or middle ear anomalies, hearing evaluation is an essential part of care. When needed, hearing rehabilitation is addressed alongside ear reconstruction to support speech and language development. We work closely with pediatric ear surgeons to ensure best functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Long‑Term Follow‑Up

Children are followed over time to monitor healing, ear growth, symmetry, and hearing. Long‑term care ensures that reconstructive results remain stable as the child grows and that additional interventions are provided if needed.

A Family‑Centered Approach

Our goal is to provide natural‑appearing results while supporting the functional, developmental, and emotional well‑being of each child. Families are guided through every stage of treatment with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and compassionate care.

Mandibular Distraction Surgery

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is a specialized surgical technique used to lengthen the lower jaw in children with jaw underdevelopment. This procedure is most commonly performed to improve breathing, feeding, and facial balance in infants and children with conditions that cause a small or recessed jaw.

Why Mandibular Distraction Is Performed

A small or retruded lower jaw can cause the tongue to fall backward, leading to airway obstruction and difficulty breathing or feeding. Mandibular distraction gradually advances the jaw forward, increasing space in the airway and improving overall facial structure. In many cases, this approach can reduce or eliminate the need for long‑term breathing support or tracheostomy.

How the Procedure Works

Mandibular distraction is performed in stages. During surgery, the jawbone is carefully divided and a specialized distraction device is placed. After a short healing period, the device is slowly adjusted over several days to gradually lengthen the bone. This controlled process allows new bone to form naturally as the jaw advances. Once the desired correction is achieved, the device remains in place briefly to allow the bone to harden before removal.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is used to treat a range of congenital and acquired conditions affecting jaw development, including:

• Pierre Robin sequence

• Craniofacial syndromes with mandibular hypoplasia

• Airway obstruction related to jaw position

• Severe mandibular deficiency affecting feeding & breathing

Benefits of Mandibular Distraction

This technique allows for gradual, controlled jaw lengthening while preserving surrounding soft tissues, nerves, and muscles. Compared with traditional jaw surgery, distraction often provides more stable long‑term results in growing children and can significantly improve airway function, feeding, and facial balance.

Recovery and Long‑Term Care

Children are closely monitored throughout the distraction and healing phases. Families get education on device care and follow‑up visits. As the child grows, long‑term follow‑up ensures proper jaw development. As the child grows, we work closely with our dental team, orthodontists and oral surgeons to ensure good alignment, facial balance, and dental care.