Craniofacial conditions can range from common to extremely rare. As one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States, the Craniofacial Program at Boston Children’s Hospital has a skilled team of clinicians experienced in diagnosing and treating both. We care for children with a wide variety of craniofacial conditions, including:
- 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.
- Encephalocele, a rare neural tube defect where brain membranes protrude through openings in the skull
Meet our patients
We invite you to learn more about some of the special children in our care.
Our approach to craniofacial conditions
The team in the Craniofacial Program includes some of the world’s most experienced specialists, including:
- neurosurgeons
- plastic surgeons
- oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- dentistry professionals
- nursing professionals
- psychologists
- social workers
Together, we will partner with your family to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your child's physical, emotional, and social needs every step of the way, from diagnosis to craniofacial surgery and recovery. Our world-renowned surgeons perform hundreds of surgeries each year, using the most advanced and minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. These techniques result in minimal scarring and faster recoveries. Our clinicians are also involved in research that moves us closer to a better understanding of — and treatment for — all craniofacial conditions of the head and face.
