 |
Craniofacial Surgery
UCLA Craniofacial Clinic
The UCLA Craniofacial Clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of children and adult patients with congenital and acquired craniofacial anomalies. Our team of specialists provides comprehensive and coordinated care these patients require.
Program Experience
Since its inception in 1972, the UCLA Craniofacial Clinic has achieved international recognition for the treatment of craniofacial abnormalities. It currently functions as one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States.
A highly specialized team of medical professionals provide a broad range of individualized care. The core team, consisting of plastic surgeons, oral surgeons, head and neck surgeons, medical geneticists, ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, orthodontists, otolaryngologists, pediatricians, audiologists and speech pathologists is augmented, as each case may require, by specialists in maxillofacial prosthetics and social services.
Program Approach
The Craniofacial Clinic offers consultation or consultation and treatment, depending on the nature of the referral. The entire core team is involved in the initial consultation with the patient. Based upon a thorough examination and review of records, the team formulates a diagnosis and a treatment plan, which is communicated to the patient and family during the consultation. A detailed written report with each specialist's remarks is sent to the referring physicians.
The most common indications for craniofacial surgery are:
- Craniosynostosis
- Craniofacial dyostosis
- Cleft lip and/or palate
Treatment is usually a multistage process that involves several surgeries as well as rehabilitative services. Often, specialized radiological and genetic testing is performed.
A physician coordinator ensures that all phases of treatment are properly orchestrated and that routine and post-operative care by the patient's own physician(s) are integrated into care. Treatment is planned and discussed at weekly patient conferences attended by the entire team. Faculty are available for telephone consultation at any time. Because UCLA is an academic medical center, many doctors at various stages of training may be involved in the patient's care.
Indications for Referral
Patients of any age with acquired or congenital deformities affecting the face, head, and neck are candidates for referral to the UCLA Craniofacial Clinic. Patients of all ages with trauma-related injuries requiring craniofacial restoration are also commonly referred. An emerging application of craniofacial surgery is the reconstruction of faces disfigured by cancer. In these cases, microsurgery is a major component of the treatment approach.
Diseases with specific indications for craniofacial surgery are as follows:
- Craniosynostosis
- Cleft Lip and Palate
- Crouzon Disease
- Apert Syndrome
- Treacher Collins Syndrome
- Hemifacial Microsomia
- Pfeiffer Syndrome
- Saethre Chotzen Syndrome
- Facial and nasal encephaloceles with associated craniofacial disorders
- Post-traumatic facial deformities
- Pierre Robin Sequence
Research Applications
Our faculty is actively involved in basic and clinical research. Current projects include the following:
- Clinical trials for distraction osteogenesis (stretching of craniofacial bones)
- Investigation into the genetic aspects of craniofacial disorders
- Development of bone substitutes for use in craniofacial reconstructive surgery
-
Exploration of the microstructure of some bony pathologies
Our Expert Team
For more information, please call (310) 825-5904.
