A leader in caring for children with craniofacial differences

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is one of the world’s leading centers for treating children with skull and face differences. The Craniofacial Program is a pioneer in craniofacial surgical techniques and features one of the largest and most experienced teams of pediatric specialists dedicated to evaluating and treating these complex conditions.

We treat every type of craniofacial condition, including tumors, craniofacial clefts and craniosynostosis (both isolated and as part of a syndrome). We are experts in treating facial differences related to:

• Overgrowth syndromes such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and hemihyperplasia
• Atrophic conditions such as Binder syndrome, complex cutis aplasia, fat atrophy, linear scleroderma and Parry-Romberg syndrome
• Craniofacial tumors such as dermoid cysts, encephalocele, fibrous dysplasia and neurofibromatosis

Our program is one of the largest single centers of its kind, with more than 1,200 admissions for surgical procedures each year. Our high-volume program also provides services to more than 5,500 outpatients annually.

Multidisciplinary team

Because craniofacial conditions impact many facial areas and functions, specialists from various disciplines are needed to address your child's complex needs. Our dedicated team includes pediatric plastic surgeons, neonatologists, advanced nurse practitioners, speech and language specialists, pediatricians and a growth specialist. Our psychologist and social worker are vital team members and will ensure that your child and your entire family receive the highest level of support and guidance.

Every condition, every age

We treat children from birth throughout their teenage years. Our pediatric plastic surgeons have vast experience in surgery for children and adolescents and have deep knowledge of how children grow and change.

When a child is prenatally diagnosed with a craniofacial defect, we work together with CHOP's world-renowned Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and the Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit to monitor the pregnancy and help the family plan for the arrival of their baby and postnatal treatment options. Babies born with malformations of the skull and face have access to our specialized Neonatal Craniofacial Program, an extension of the Craniofacial Program created in collaboration with the Division of Neonatology. This team is dedicated specifically to evaluating and caring for newborns with craniofacial defects, including micrognathia and tongue-based airway obstruction, who also have related health issues that require specialized care by CHOP’s expert neonatologists.

Expert diagnosis

We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to diagnose and treat infants, children and adolescents. We know that receiving a diagnosis is one of the most important steps in helping you feel more in control when your child has a facial difference. Accurate diagnosis guides the care plan and ensures your child receives the highest level of care.