Shriners Hospitals for Children understands that cleft lip and cleft palate, as well as other craniofacial conditions, present unique characteristics and challenges. No two cases are ever the same, which is why treatment plans are highly individualized for each patient. Each child is met with respect, compassion and a forward-looking approach that supports the best quality of life for the child, by achieving the best possible medical outcome.
Following are some of the most common craniofacial conditions treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children:
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Craniosynostosis
- Facial trauma/fractures
- Craniofacial microsomia, which may present as:
- Hemifacial microsomia
- Goldenhar syndrome (oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum)
- Lateral facial dysplasia
- First and second bronchial arch syndrome
- Oculo-auriculo-vertebral sequence
- Isolated microtia
Shiners Hospitals for Children is devoted to helping families understand the specifics of their child’s diagnosis and treatment options in a warm and understanding environment.
Cleft lip and cleft palate repair
Facial clefts are the number one craniofacial birth defect addressed by our patient and family-centered teams, led by our board-certified plastic surgeons. The cleft teams at Shriners Hospitals for Children understand that the repercussions of cleft lip and cleft palate often run much deeper – affecting breathing, hearing, speaking and eating. It is common for self-esteem and emotional health to be impacted as well.
This is precisely why the foundation of our program incorporates a multidisciplinary team approach that addresses all aspects of these complex conditions. Shriners Hospitals for Children brings together our pediatric specialists so that each and every child has access to an individualized treatment plan created by their care team.
Unique to Shriners Hospitals for Children, is our wraparound care available under one roof – meaning your child’s entire care plan, from diagnosis to medical release and beyond, takes place at one location. To support this care model, we provide:
- Pre-operative consultation
- Surgical inpatient care
- Post-operative care
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Speech therapy
- Frequent follow ups
- Care management
- Psychological support
- On-site testing
Conditions, treatments and services provided may vary by location. Please consult with the Shriners Hospitals for Children location nearest you. See zip code search feature to the right.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is one of the world's most respected pediatric health care systems, with 22 locations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Telehealth capabilities help our physical locations care for patients from select rural and underdeveloped regions. This secure, interactive video conferencing allows patients from all over the world to see our specialists without having to travel far from home. Additionally, our national and international outreach programs and community clinics reach thousands of children who would not otherwise have access to pediatric specialty care.
What to expect
Our priority is our patients, which is why each and every family is always met with compassion, hope and respect. We understand that many families are navigating complex medical issues, and Shriners Hospitals for Children works hard to make the journey as easy as possible.
Insurance and payment information
Most major insurance providers are accepted; however, insurance coverage is not required for care. Any child under 18 with a medical condition or medical need that is within the health care system’s scope of services is eligible for care. Shriners Hospitals for Children offers financial assistance to those in need.
Before your appointment
Prior to your first visit, be sure to gather any medical records and documents, assistive technology or adaptive devices that may be relevant to the health care team.
This checklist should be helpful when preparing for your first appointment:
- List of current medications your child is taking
- X-rays or other diagnostic images/reports
- Your child’s primary care and referring physicians' names, addresses, and phone and fax numbers
- Insurance card and photo ID
Helpful links and information:
Since our first hospital opening in 1922, we've treated 1.4 million children – and we have no plans of slowing down. Our approach to treating craniofacial conditions is continually evolving to reflect the latest clinical and medical research.
Shiners Hospitals for Children offers unparalleled treatment for cleft lip, cleft palate and various craniofacial conditions. Together with families, our experienced team of pediatric specialists work hard every day to transform children's lives in a kind, family-centered atmosphere.
Pediatric specialists
Our wide-ranging team of specialists, listed below, work in concert to provide the very best wraparound care:
- Plastic surgeons
- Oral maxillofacial surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Dieticians
- Psychologists
- Social workers/care managers
Our collaborative approach encourages an open dialogue between families and specialists so that the entire treatment team is participating in the decision-making process. This paradigm puts children first and lays the groundwork for optimal healing.
The following locations are uniquely equipped to treat or repair cleft lip, cleft palate and various craniofacial conditions. Specific conditions and treatments may vary by location. Please contact the Shriners Hospitals for Children location nearest you for more information.
Conditions, treatments and services provided may vary by location. Please consult with the Shriners Hospitals for Children location nearest you. See zip code search feature to the right.