craniofacial surgery

Craniofacial surgery treats conditions that affect the bones and soft tissues of the head and face. This small area of your child’s body is very complex. It affects how your child sees, hears, breathes, chews, swallows, interacts with other people — and even how their brain grows.

For best possible results, children with craniofacial conditions need to receive the right surgery at the right time from an experienced team. Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Center provides the highest level of craniofacial surgical care.

Our craniofacial surgeons perform all types of craniofacial surgery. The most common surgeries are for cleft lip and palateand craniosynostosis. Our surgeons also skillfully adjust the midface and jaws of children with complex syndromes.

• Cleft lip and palate surgery

• Craniosynostosis surgery

• Surgery to enlarge or reposition the midface, jaw and skull

• Distraction osteogenesis

• Facial reanimation

• Surgery for less common conditions

• Follow-up or revision surgery

Seattle Children’s has a national and international reputation for excellence in craniofacial surgery.

Every year, we treat hundreds of children with conditions from common clefts to rare syndromes. No matter how complex, we have likely taken care of someone with your child’s condition.

See Statistics and Outcomes for details on the children we care for and procedures we perform.

• Close teamwork, coordinated care

• 3-D imaging for well-planned treatment

• Setting and meeting the highest standards

• Training to improve care for all children

After training as plastic surgeons, our craniofacial surgeons take extra training (a fellowship) in skull and facial surgery. This prepares them to perform the complex procedures your child may need on their skull and face.

Based on your child’s needs, your craniofacial surgeon may work with other experts to plan and perform your child’s surgery. They may include:

• A neurosurgeon, who treats brain and skull conditions
• An oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who treats the jaw, teeth and lower face
• A surgical craniofacial orthodontist, who prepares your child for surgery that involves the gum line, jaws and teeth

Pediatric anesthesiologists, who have special training in giving anesthesia to children, will ensure your child’s safety and comfort during surgery.

We have full-time nurse practitioners trained for craniofacial surgery, plastic surgery and oral surgery. They:

• Care for your child in the clinic and hospital
• Coordinate your child’s care
• Ensure we meet your child’s needs
• Teach your child and family about your child’s condition and treatment