Fetal plastic surgery

Staff members in the Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery treat plastic and reconstructive problems resulting from both congenital (existing at birth) and acquired defects. The infants diagnosed before birth are typically those with problems related to craniofacial conditions. The most common conditions are cleft lip, cleft palate and craniosynostosis, which is early closure of the skull sutures, with abnormal skull shape. These conditions are diagnosed prenatally through ultrasound.

Although treatment does not begin until after birth, the doctors and nurses at Children's Memorial can provide parents with valuable information to help prepare them for their baby's arrival. Parents receive detailed counseling on the condition suspected and discussion of all aspects of possible treatment plans and options for care after birth.

The craniofacial team provides a comprehensive approach to care and follow-up for its patients. The team consists of doctors, nurses and therapists from the many areas of medicine necessary to treat these complex problems. For babies born with clefts, specialists in dentistry, orthodonture, ear/nose/throat, and speech work together with the plastic surgeons.

Find more information about diagnosis and treatment of these conditions in this section.