Craniofacial Program
The Boston Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Program is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. offering specialization in both in rare and common syndromes. Common craniofacial conditions we treat include:
- Apert syndrome, Pfeiffer Syndrome, Crouzon syndrome and many other genetic disorders that involve the abnormal growth of the skull and face.
- Craniosynostosis: A condition in which the sutures between the plates of the skull fuse too early during a child’s development
- Cleft lip and cleft palate: An opening in the lip and/or roof of the mouth. Learn more about the Cleft Lip and Palate Program.
- Encephaloceles: A rare neural tube defect where brain membranes protrude through openings in the skull
Our approach to treating craniofacial conditions
Our treatment of craniofacial conditions is more than just medical and surgical care — it's about providing lasting emotional and educational support and creating the best possible future for your child. Our Craniofacial Program team will provide you with a customized treatment plan that meets all your child's needs, supporting you and your family throughout your entire journey.
Boston Children’s offers a full spectrum of treatments and therapies for conditions of the face and skull, including:
- advanced surgical procedures to reshape the skull, realign the jaw and allow for proper brain growth
- facial reanimation programs to repair facial nerve palsy and paralysis
- minimally invasive therapies that result in less scarring and shorter recovery times
- the latest diagnostic and surgical techniques to decrease the total number of procedures your child must undergo
Why Choose the Craniofacial Program?
Experience: Our team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rare craniofacial conditions and cares for hundreds of patients each year. Our veteran surgeons are pioneers in their field and have led the way in craniofacial care for decades. The Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery at Boston Children’s is one of the largest and most experienced pediatric plastic and oral surgery centers anywhere in the world.
Reputation: U.S.News & World Report continuously ranks Boston Children’s #1 in neurosurgery — as well as the nation’s #1 pediatric hospital overall.
Collaboration: Our specialists work closely with each other, as well as with local care providers, other programs and with families — including those who travel great distances. We involve you at every step of the treatment plan.
Safety and quality measures: Our doctors adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety in all clinical areas. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we regularly collect feedback from our patients and families.
Innovations: World-class care at Boston Children’s is made possible by the advanced tools, technologies and approaches that set us apart, including:
- 3D printing and modeling to assist reconstructive surgical procedures
- craniofacial orthodontics to address speech problems and jaw irregularities
- genetic analysis to help you make informed medical and personal decisions
- high resolution and 3-d imaging, including a unique combination of imaging tools that allows patients to see what they will look like after orthognathic (jaw) surgery
- facial reanimation to treat facial paralysis
- microsurgery for congenital hand anomalies that accompany some craniofacial conditions
