Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital began its comprehensive pediatric craniofacial surgery program more than 17 years ago and offers some of the most specialized treatment options for complex craniofacial conditions, including craniosynostosis, microcephaly, congenital ear malformations, cleft palate and lip, hemifacial microsomia and more. The program has official designation as a Cleft Palate Team and Craniofacial Team from the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.
The most common of all craniofacial anomalies is cleft lip or palate, affecting more than 7,000 children each year. A majority of Le Bonheur’s craniofacial patients have surgery when they are between 6 to 12 months old. Annually, Le Bonheur surgeons perform more than 40 craniofacial surgeries.
Our multidisciplinary team includes pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric plastic surgeons, a pediatric orthodontist and other specialists. The team holds a monthly specialized clinic to address the unique and complex needs of these children and their families.
After surgery, our craniofacial team follows their patients for years, many until they are at least 5 years old. The continued care allows our team to determine whether additional surgeries are required.
Treatment options
- Surgery including craniectomy
- Distractor plates, devices that help lengthen bones or move bones to its new position
- Non-surgical positional molding
Common conditions we treat include:
Craniosynostosis
Craniofacial malformation
Fontanel injury
Craniofacial deformities
Cleft palate and lip
Why Choose Le Bonheur?
At Le Bonheur Children’s, we measure and track our treatment to improve the care we offer families – and to provide a greater level of transparency about our program.
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