Craniofacial anomalies

Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) are a diverse group of deformities in the growth of the head and facial bones.

• These abnormalities are congenital (present at birth).
• Some are mild and some are severe and require surgery.

What are some of the more common CFAs?

• cleft lip and palate - a separation in the lip and the palate
• craniosynostosis - premature closure of the soft spots in an infant’s skull
• hemifacial microsomia - a condition in which the tissues on one side of the face are underdeveloped
• vascular malformation - an abnormal growth composed of blood vessels
• hemangioma - a benign tumor that causes a red birthmark

A team approach to diagnosis and care

The Craniofacial Anomalies Program at Children's Hospital Boston provides a team approach to the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with congenital or acquired facial deformities. If your or your child has been suffering from one of these conditions, our doctors can help.

Expert team

Our program is staffed by an experienced team of clinicians, all with specialized training in the care of children with craniofacial anomalies.

Each year we treat more than 500 patients, 250 of them new patients, making our program one of the most experienced programs of its type in the country.