plastic and reconstructive surgery

Little girl holding framed photo of herself with a cleft lip as a baby but after plastic and reconstruction surgery at Dayton Children’s her cleft lip was reconstructed

expert care for kids

Dayton Children’s offers advanced pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery for children with burns, facial fractures, cleft lip and palate, vascular malformations, skull deformities, severed fingers and more. Our board-certified pediatric plastic surgeons are specially trained in cranio-maxillofacial (face, head and neck) surgery and have extensive experience treating even the most complex conditions. Whenever possible, we take a conservative approach—using non-surgical and minimally invasive techniques to achieve the best results. As we work to correct malformations and restore function, we also help each child feel confident, safe and supported throughout their care journey.

our surgical expertise and advanced techniques

At Dayton Children’s, our fellowship-trained pediatric plastic surgeons provide advanced care using the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques. We specialize in craniofacial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate repair, and treatment for vascular and craniofacial anomalies. Whenever possible, our team uses minimally invasive and non-surgical approaches—such as cranial banding and helmet therapy for flat-head syndrome or the EarWell® device for newborn ear deformities—to achieve excellent results with less discomfort and faster healing.

Our surgeons also use endoscopic and other minimally invasive methods that result in smaller incisions and quicker recovery times. With specialized clinics for vascular and craniofacial anomalies, and coordinated care through our cleft lip and palate program, we ensure every child receives comprehensive, personalized treatment from birth through young adulthood.

A grinning doctor in a lab coat and a smiling boy with braces, both with crossed arms, lean back-to-back outdoors.

our plastic & reconstructive surgery team

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric plastic surgeons deliver expert, compassionate care for infants, children and teens. With specialized training in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, our team focuses on restoring function, promoting healing and helping every child feel confident in their own skin, all in a safe, supportive environment.

conditions we treat

Dayton Children’s treats a wide range of pediatric conditions requiring care from our plastic and reconstructive team

programs and clinics – plastic & reconstructive surgery

The Craniofacial Center at Dayton Children’s offers multidisciplinary care for children with cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and other complex craniofacial conditions, including Pierre Robin sequence, Goldenhar syndrome, skeletal jaw abnormalities and more. Our fellowship-trained pediatric plastic surgeons partner closely with pediatric neurosurgeons and other specialists to provide advanced, coordinated treatment tailored to each child’s unique needs.

From minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures—even successfully separating conjoined twins—to speech therapy and ongoing follow-up care, we focus on restoring function, improving appearance, and supporting every aspect of your child’s development. Families meet with the full care team before surgery, ensuring clear communication and a shared plan. Dayton Children’s also provides craniofacial care for international patients through partnerships with global embassies, bringing world-class expertise to children everywhere.

 

learn more about the center

Dayton Children’s offers a comprehensive cleft lip and cleft palate program, with a team that includes developmental pediatricians, plastic surgeons, an oral surgeon, an orthodontist, a speech-language pathologist and others. Together, they provide a detailed diagnosis, a comprehensive treatment plan and extensive support every step of the way.

 

cleft lip and cleft palate program

We offer high-risk pregnancy consultation services with a specialized nurse navigator to partner with you throughout your pregnancy. Our specialized team works closely with mothers and families, answering questions, offering support and counseling, and providing advanced options for care and treatment. We’ll guide you through the journey so you can simply focus on the bond between you and your baby.

 

learn more about fetal care medicine

The upper airway program at Dayton Children’s provides a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of children with complex obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA in specific populations of children, such as those listed below, often do not respond completely to conventional treatment.  In these children, OSA can arise from the collapse at multiple sites in the upper airway. The identification and treatment of these sites of upper airway obstruction requires a multi-disciplinary approach.  Specialists from sleep medicine, otolaryngology, radiology, and plastic surgery collaborate to provide comprehensive care for each child. An individualized care plan is developed through weekly virtual meetings and monthly meetings where advanced imaging is reviewed.

 

Conditions treated include craniofacial anomalies, Down syndrome and persistent obstructive sleep apnea (after tonsillectomy).

The vascular anomalies clinic at Dayton Children’s is composed of specialists from hematology oncology, ENT, plastic surgery, pediatric surgery and interventional radiology.

Our comprehensive team has expertise in the diagnosis, management and treatment of vascular anomalies, including hemangiomas, vascular tumors and vascular or lymphatic malformations.

learn more about vascular anomalies 

news and blogs

Stay up-to-date with the latest insights from Dayton Children’s. We’re always working to share helpful, real-world content for families navigating pediatric care.

patient stories

Real families, real results. These stories offer hope, guidance and reassurance that we are here for your child every step of the way. Explore how Dayton Children’s care has gone above and beyond for kids just like yours.

for your visit

what to expect

At your plastic and reconstructive surgery appointment, your child will be seen by a pediatric specialist who understands the unique needs of growing bodies. We’ll review your child’s medical history, discuss your concerns, and perform a thorough evaluation. 

If surgery or a procedure is needed, we’ll walk you through the next steps — including imaging, lab work, or follow-up appointments — and answer all your questions. Our goal is to help your child feel safe, supported, and comfortable every step of the way.

how to prepare

  • Bring your child’s medical records or referral, if available
  • Bring any test results for tests not performed by Dayton Children’s
  • Write down questions or concerns ahead of time
  • Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any necessary forms
  • If your child is being evaluated for plagiocephaly (flat spot), bring any helmets or orthotic devices they currently use
  • Talk to your child about what to expect in age-appropriate terms — our staff is here to help with that too!

If you’re unsure what to bring or have special needs, feel free to call us at 937-641-3898 before your visit.

prepare for surgery at Dayton Children’s

When your child needs surgery, we know it can be a stressful and uncertain time. That’s why we have outlined all you need to know. Find helpful tips, learn what to eat and drink, and more when preparing for your child’s surgery or procedure.

find more resources for your visit

Get checklists, resources, and helpful tips for before, during, and after your visit to Dayton Children’s—so you know exactly what to expect. You can also learn about overnight accommodations, our amenities and support services available for your visit.

plastic & reconstructive surgery resources

Dayton Children’s resources

At Dayton Children’s you’ll find a variety of resources and support services for your family.

other resources

Other organizations provide extensive resources for patients and families with craniofacial conditions and more. Our specialists encourage families to find support through the following websites and organizations.

other resources

Other organizations provide extensive educational materials for patients and families. Our specialists encourage families to find support through the following websites and organizations.

Angel Flight West
Website | 1-888-426-2643

Arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. Aircraft, piloting, and all flying costs are donated to help families, so they can receive treatment they may not otherwise be able to receive.

 

Air Care Alliance

Website 

More than sixty groups have volunteer pilots who will fly patients for care or provide other flights or aviation services to help those in need or serve our communities. If you are seeking free air transportation or aviation services you can send an inquiry to each appropriate organization in one easy step by providing Air Care Alliance the necessary information about your transportation needs.

 

Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA)
Website | 1-800-535-3643 | areeves@ccakids.com 

CCA has a financial assistance program that helps with food, travel and/or lodging. Please apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your next appointment. 

 

FACES: The National Craniofacial Association 

Website | 1-800-332-2373 | faces@faces-cranio.org

Provides financial support for non-medical expenses to patients traveling to a craniofacial center for treatment. Eligibility is based on financial and medical need.

hours & locations

Our team is here to support your child’s health at multiple convenient locations.

schedule with our specialists

Whether you’re seeking an evaluation for a newborn’s ear deformity, follow-up care after an injury, or surgical repair for a cleft lip or craniofacial condition, our pediatric plastic surgery team is here to help. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 937-641-4000.

A happy young girl with long dark hair, wearing a pink t-shirt and jeans, stands with crossed arms in a park-like setting.