The Center for Craniofacial Anomalies at UCSF is one of the oldest in the country and has treated thousands of children with cleft lip and cleft palate, craniosynostosis, hemifacial microsomia, and other congenital disorders (including Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer syndromes, among others).

The center has been caring for individuals with craniofacial differences since 1954 and is dedicated to the early diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial conditions. In turn, the center combines the most advanced surgical and therapeutic techniques with respectful and sensitive team care. Since most conditions affect an individual both medically and socially, the center uses experts from many disciplines to address the special needs of our patients.

This interdisciplinary group brings many areas of expertise to a single visit by a patient and their family.T eam members include specialists in plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, otolaryngology, prosthodontics, dermatology, speech pathology, genetics, nursing and social work. Together, the team seeks to improve the health and physical appearance of our patients as well as promote their overall well being through education and support.

Our plastic surgeons have a long experience dealing with these problems with excellent outcomes. Other specialty clinics at UCSF Children's Hospital include the Microtia Clinic (for children who have failed to develop one or both ears) and the Birthmarks and Vascular Anomalies Clinic, for hemangiomas and other vascular malformations.