Pediatric Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive Surgery at Golisano Children's Hospital

Congenital differences can affect a child’s appearance and function. At Golisano Children's Hospital at University of Vermont Health, we offer reconstructive surgery to improve these differences. For children and their families, this treatment is often life-changing.

Whether your child needs one surgery or a series of procedures, we provide care that is sensitive to their unique needs, with the goal of achieving the best possible results. We get to know your family and provide essential education and guidance to support your child’s care journey.

A medical provider looks on as a mother holds her infant.

Why Choose Golisano Children's Hospital?

As a leading reconstructive surgery program in the region, we offer:

Surgical expertise: Our pediatric plastic surgeon has extensive experience treating routine and complex congenital differences — and is the only such specialist in Vermont and northern New York.
Leading-edge care: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our plastic surgeons are at the forefront of care and among the first to adopt the latest surgical techniques.
Comprehensive approach: From speech therapists and social workers to ear, nose and throat doctors and orthodontists, we coordinate your child’s care with a wide range of specialists to ensure all their needs are met.
Convenience: Our off-campus office is easy to access. We also offer digital health options when possible so your child can receive follow-up care in the comfort of your home.

Conditions We Treat

We offer expert surgical care for anomalies that occur during fetal development, including:

Cleft lip and cleft palate: Cleft lip and cleft palate occur when the lips or mouth don’t form properly during pregnancy, resulting in a split (cleft) in the upper lip or roof of the mouth (palate).
Branchial cleft anomalies: Branchial cleft anomalies occur when tissue in the neck doesn’t form correctly. They include pockets of fluid or abnormal openings in the skin (fistulas).
Dermoid cyst: Dermoid cysts are benign (non-cancerous) masses, most commonly found on the head and neck.
Vascular malformations: This group of conditions is characterized by abnormal growths of blood vessels that appear on the skin as birthmarks. A birthmark may be visible at birth or develop during childhood or adolescence.
Giant congenital melanocytic nevus: This type of mole is a pigmented and often hairy patch of skin usually noticeable at birth or soon after. As the child grows, the nevus also grows. These moles can become quite large.
Hemifacial microsomia: This condition occurs when one side of the face is underdeveloped and smaller than the other. It can affect the bones, muscles and other tissues of the face, jaw and neck.

What to Expect

Your first appointment is a consultation with a surgeon to assess your child’s condition and needs. We accept patients from birth to age 21. Most families come to us through a referral from another health care provider.

During the consultation, your child’s surgeon helps you understand the reconstructive surgery process. They review the benefits and risks of surgery and take time to answer your questions. We make sure you — and your child, if they are old enough — have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

If you choose to move forward with reconstructive surgery, we develop a personalized plan to give your child the best possible outcome.

Your child’s surgical plan may include techniques such as:

Grafts: Tissue taken from one part of the body and placed somewhere else. Over time, blood vessels grow into the new tissue to support it.
Flaps: A flap is similar to a graft, but it is connected to a blood supply. Flaps may be moved from a nearby area with the blood vessels intact. Other flaps are transplanted from another area of the body. Surgeons attach the blood vessels in this tissue to those in the new location using microsurgery.
Bone distraction: Bone distraction is a multistep process to lengthen or change the shape of bones. Over multiple procedures, your child’s surgeon separates the affected bones to allow new bone to grow and fill the gap.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Clinic

Children with congenital differences often need other types of care during the reconstruction process. Our multidisciplinary Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Clinic brings together specialists from across UVM Health. They see patients in one location. This means you only need to make one trip and all of the involved specialties have a chance to discuss and agree to a collaborative plan.

In addition to our pediatric plastic surgeon, the team includes:

Ear, nose and throat physician: Manages symptoms and treats related conditions, such as ear infections which are common in children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
Medical geneticist: Offers testing for genetic disorders related to cleft lip and cleft palate.
Orthodontist: Provides orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and jaw.
Speech language pathologist: Works with your child to address problems with speech and swallowing.
Child Life specialist: Supports you and your child during tests and treatments through age-appropriate play, distraction techniques and education.
Social worker: Offers counseling and referrals to community programs and services.

Golisano Children's Hospital

Child Life Program

Medical care can be overwhelming for children. Our Child Life Specialists help your child cope with stress, prepare for procedures and understand their care. These highly trained specialists offer your family support as you navigate our health system.