Craniofacial Anomalies

What is a craniofacial anomaly?

Craniofacial anomalies are deformities that affect a child’s head and facial bones. These disorders are typically present at birth (congenital) and can range from mild to severe.

Common craniofacial anomalies include:

• cleft lip and palate - a separation in the lip and the palate
• craniosynostosis - premature closure of the soft spots in an infant’s skull
• hemifacial microsomia - a condition in which the tissues on one side of the face are underdeveloped
• vascular malformation - an abnormal growth composed of blood vessels
• hemangioma - a benign tumor that causes a red birthmark

How we care for craniofacial anomalies

The Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Boston Children’s Hospital provides a team approach to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children and adults with craniofacial deformities. If your child has a craniofacial anomaly, our doctors can help. Each year, our specialists treat more than 500 patients, making our program one of the most experienced programs of its type in the country.