Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Stanford

Pediatric plastic surgery focuses on correcting congenital differences, injuries, and developmental conditions affecting the face, head, hands, and body. At Stanford, children receive care from a multidisciplinary team of pediatric-trained plastic surgeons who specialize in creating safe, effective, and age-appropriate treatment plans. Our goal is to support healthy growth, restore function, and achieve natural, long-lasting cosmetic outcomes while providing compassionate, family-centered care.

Stanford offers a full range of reconstructive and aesthetic procedures for children, including cleft lip and palate repair, cranial and facial surgery, hand surgery, ear reconstruction, scar revision, and soft-tissue reconstruction after trauma or tumor removal. Treatments are tailored to developmental stages, ensuring appropriate timing for both functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Congenital Condition Repair

Many pediatric plastic surgery procedures address abnormalities present at birth, such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, vascular malformations, ear deformities, and hand anomalies. Care is often multidisciplinary and may involve staged surgeries throughout childhood, coordinated with speech therapy, genetics, and craniofacial specialists.

Pediatric Trauma & Soft-Tissue Reconstruction

Injuries from accidents, burns, or infections may require reconstructive surgery to restore form and function. Stanford surgeons specialize in microsurgery, fracture management, nerve repair, and tissue reconstruction for the face and extremities. Our team works closely with pediatric emergency medicine and orthopedics to ensure timely, child-sensitive care.

Scar Revision & Aesthetic Procedures

Children who experience scarring from injury, burns, or prior surgeries may benefit from scar revision, laser therapy, or reconstructive procedures that improve appearance and function. Select aesthetic procedures—such as otoplasty (ear pinning) or correction of prominent features—are performed with consideration for age and psychological development.

Our pediatric plastic surgeons provide comprehensive care for congenital and acquired conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents.

Common conditions and treatments include:

• Cleft lip and palate

• Craniosynostosis and skull shape differences

• Hand anomalies (syndactyly, polydactyly, trigger thumb)

• Vascular malformations and birthmarks

• Ear deformities (microtia, prominent ears)

• Facial trauma and fractures

• Pediatric burns and contractures

• Soft-tissue reconstruction

• Scar revision and laser therapy

• Orthognathic and jaw surgery for adolescents

Stanford’s pediatric plastic surgeons are fellowship-trained and experienced in treating both simple and complex pediatric conditions. Our care is integrated with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, providing access to pediatric anesthesia, child life services, speech therapy, ENT, genetics, and neurosurgery when needed. Families benefit from coordinated, compassionate care in a child-friendly environment.

Your child’s visit begins with a thorough evaluation that considers their age, development, and long-term growth. Treatment plans may involve staged surgeries, therapy coordination, or ongoing monitoring. Our team guides families through each step—from preoperative planning and anesthesia considerations to recovery and long-term follow-up—ensuring comfort, safety, and the best possible outcomes.