The Craniofacial Clinic at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care for children with craniofacial conditions. We address a wide range of complex craniofacial differences. Co-led by pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Klimo and pediatric plastic surgeon Dr. Robin Evans, the clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach and provides evaluation, diagnosis, surgical interventions and long-term management. With a focus on personalized care, the clinic collaborates closely with families to develop customized treatment plans. These plans consider the unique diagnosis, circumstances and context of each and every child. The Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic provides compassionate, advanced and family-centered care, ensuring that children with craniofacial differences receive the highest quality of care for optimal outcomes and improved quality of life.
Why Choose the Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic
Le Bonheur's Craniofacial Clinic has several unique aspects for the care of a child with craniofacial conditions:
- Comprehensive Expertise: The clinic is staffed by a team of highly skilled and experienced craniofacial surgeons. Pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Klimo and pediatric plastic surgeon Dr. Robin Evans lead a team of specialized health care professionals. They have extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of craniofacial abnormalities, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and specialized care.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic follows a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together a diverse team of specialists to provide holistic care for craniofacial conditions. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of the child's care, including surgical interventions, orthodontic treatments, speech therapy and psychosocial support, are coordinated and integrated, leading to comprehensive and cohesive treatment plans.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities and Technology: Le Bonheur Children's Hospital is equipped with advanced facilities and state-of-the-art technology, enabling the clinic to provide the highest level of care. We have the only 3dMD in the region, a photography tool that creates a 3D model of a child's face and head. This cutting-edge technology allows for new treatment options and accuracy. The availability of cutting-edge surgical tools, imaging techniques and innovative treatment options allows the clinic to offer the latest advancements in craniofacial care.
- Family-Centered Care: The Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic places a strong emphasis on family-centered care. They understand the challenges and concerns that families may face when dealing with craniofacial conditions and strive to provide support and guidance throughout the treatment journey. The clinic actively involves families in the decision-making process, provides education and resources and offers emotional support to ensure the well-being of both the child and their family. We provide phone chargers and always have snacks!
- Research and Innovation: The clinic is actively engaged in research and innovation to advance the field of craniofacial care. By participating in research studies, developing new surgical techniques and collaborating with other institutions, the clinic ensures that patients benefit from the latest advancements in the field. This commitment to research and innovation translates into improved outcomes and personalized treatment approaches.
- Continuum of Care: We provide comprehensive care throughout the patient’s journey, from diagnosis to long-term management. The team follows patients closely, monitoring their progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed and providing ongoing support. This continuum of care ensures that patients receive consistent and continuous care, optimizing their outcomes and improving their quality of life.
Overall, the Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic stands out as a premier center for the care of craniofacial conditions due to its comprehensive expertise, multidisciplinary approach, state-of-the-art facilities, family-centered care, commitment to research and innovation and continuum of care. Families can feel confident in choosing the Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic, knowing that their child will receive exceptional care from a dedicated team of specialists who prioritize their well-being and strive for the best possible outcomes.
Conditions We Treat
The Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of various craniofacial conditions in children. These conditions may include:
- Craniosynostosis: Craniosynostosis is a condition when the skull's sutures, which connect the bones of the skull, fuse together too early. The clinic provides evaluation, surgical correction and long-term follow-up for infants and children with craniosynostosis, utilizing advanced surgical techniques to reshape and remodel the skull.
- Craniofacial Syndromes: The clinic specializes in the evaluation and management of various craniofacial syndromes, such as Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, Muenke syndrome and Pierre Robin sequence. These syndromes often involve complex craniofacial abnormalities, and the clinic provides individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's specific needs.
- Facial Asymmetry: Children with facial asymmetry resulting from various causes, such as craniofacial trauma, hemifacial microsomia, Parry-Romberg syndrome or facial nerve injury, receive comprehensive evaluation and treatment in the clinic. This may involve surgical interventions, orthodontic treatments and other therapies to correct and improve facial symmetry.
- Microtia and Ear Anomalies: The clinic provides specialized care for children with microtia, a congenital condition characterized by an underdeveloped or absent external ear. The team offers reconstructive options, such as ear molding and surgical interventions, to enhance the appearance and functionality of the ear.
- Craniofacial and Skull Defects: The clinic addresses craniofacial and skull deformities from tumors or trauma. Evaluation and appropriate interventions are provided to correct and reshape the face or skull, assisting in proper growth and development.
The Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic provides comprehensive and personalized care for a wide range of craniofacial conditions beyond those mentioned above. The clinic's expert team evaluates and treats each child individually, creating tailored treatment plans to address their unique needs and optimize their overall well-being.
What to Expect During Your Visit
During your visit to the Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic, you can expect a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to your care. Here's an overview of what you can expect during your visit:
- Warm Welcome and Registration: Upon arrival at the clinic, you will be greeted by a friendly and supportive staff who will guide you through the registration process. They will ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and address any questions you may have.
- Evaluation and Consultation: You will have a scheduled appointment with a craniofacial specialist who will conduct a thorough evaluation of your child's condition. This may involve a detailed medical history review, physical examination and assessment of any diagnostic imaging or test results. The specialist will discuss your concerns, answer your questions and develop a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic follows a multidisciplinary approach, which means that you may have consultations with various health care professionals who specialize in different aspects of craniofacial care. These may include neurosurgeons, craniofacial/plastic surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, psychologists and other specialists. The collaborative nature of the clinic ensures that all aspects of your care are addressed comprehensively and holistically.
- Diagnostic Tests and Imaging: Depending on your specific condition, the clinic may require additional diagnostic tests or imaging to gather more information. These tests may include 3D photos, X-rays, CT scans, 3D imaging or other specialized assessments. The purpose of these tests is to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Treatment Discussion and Planning: Following the evaluation and diagnostic phase, the craniofacial specialist will discuss the findings with you and outline the recommended treatment options. They will explain the potential benefits, risks and anticipated outcomes of each approach, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of your child's treatment plan. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, express any concerns and actively participate in the decision-making process.
- Coordination of Care: The clinic's team will assist in coordinating all aspects of your child's care, including scheduling any necessary procedures, surgeries or follow-up appointments. They will ensure that your treatment plan is implemented effectively, with a focus on providing timely and coordinated care.
- Patient Support and Resources: Throughout your visit, the clinic's staff will be available to provide support, answer your questions and address any emotional or practical needs you may have. They can provide educational materials, connect you with support groups or community resources, and offer guidance to facilitate your overall well-being and adjustment to your child's condition.
- Follow-up and Long-term Care: The Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic is committed to providing ongoing care and support. They will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your child's progress, assess treatment outcomes and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Long-term care plans will be developed to ensure your child's continued well-being and optimize long-term outcomes. We see patients prenatally to 21 years of age.
During your visit to the Le Bonheur Craniofacial Clinic, you can expect a compassionate and collaborative approach to your child's care. The team of experts will work closely with you and your child to provide personalized treatment, support, and guidance throughout your journey.
