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Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Craniofacial Center

The Pediatric Craniofacial Center cares for children with conditions affecting the growing face and head, whether they occur before birth or result from an injury, illness or tumor. The most common conditions we treat are cleft lip, cleft palate and craniosynostosis. These, as with most craniofacial conditions, vary in severity and can dramatically affect appearance, communication, physical and social growth, and other aspects of development. The complex nature of craniofacial conditions requires well-coordinated and timely diagnosis, counseling and treatment, all of which are provided by our team of dedicated specialists.

The center has been caring for individuals with craniofacial differences since 1954, and we're committed to maintaining our long tradition of providing outstanding care. The relationship with our patients often begins before birth and continues through childhood, during adolescence and into adulthood. At each step along the way, our team combines the most advanced surgical and therapeutic techniques with respectful and sensitive care.

Because craniofacial conditions can have profound effects on a child's ability to function both physically and socially, we work with other specialists, such as dentists, social workers, speech pathologists and dermatologists, to provide comprehensive treatment and follow-up care. This team approach optimizes your child's chances of having an excellent outcome and smooth recovery.

Our locations (2)

    Explore what we do

    How 3D printing made a complex facial surgery possible

    Using 3D technology, Dr. Lin familiarized himself with his patient’s unique skull before the delicate surgery to restore their vision.

    Watch on YouTube

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

      Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Conditions treated

    Preparing for surgery

    Read before your visit

    Preparing for your child's surgery

    Learn what to expect and how you can help ensure that your child's procedure and recovery go smoothly.

    Learn more

    Watch with your child

    Surgery day at Oakland

    Visualization can help kids, especially those with autism, feel less anxious before a procedure. Follow Beni the Bear's experience at our Oakland hospital, so your family knows what to expect.

    Watch with your child

    Surgery day at Mission Bay

    If your child is having surgery at our Mission Bay hospital, watch this video together to get a look inside our facility and find out what to expect.

    Vea con su hijo

    Día de la cirugía en Mission Bay

    Si su hijo se somete a una cirugía en nuestro hospital de Mission Bay, vean juntos este video para echar un vistazo dentro de nuestras instalaciones y averiguar qué pueden esperar.

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Related clinics (4)

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    Dermatology Clinic

    Dermatology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek
    9

    Neurology Program

    Neurology Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Brentwood / Greenbrae / San Mateo / San Ramon ...
    8

    Neurosurgery Program

    Neurosurgery Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Los Gatos / Greenbrae / Sacramento / San Mateo...
    plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery-clinic-320x320-2x 4

    Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Clinic

    Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

    Support services

    View All

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

    art-therapy-program-2x

    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

    music-program-2x

    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

    school-program-2x

    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

    school-re-entry-program-2x

    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

    family-support-program-2x

    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

    patient-relations-2x

    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

    international-services-2x

    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Decorative Caduceus

    Preschool Hearing Screening

    Percentage of children identified with hearing loss; (number of children identified with hearing loss) / (number of all screened children)

    Recruiting

    More about this study
    See all clinical trials

    Smell the roses

    Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.

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