Craniofacial Surgery

Surgery of the face and skull (craniofacial surgery) is a highly specialized branch of plastic surgery that focuses on the complex reconstruction of the jawbone, orbits (eye sockets), skull and soft tissue of the face. A craniofacial surgeon also treats complex soft tissue problems, such as hemangiomas, vascular malformations, facial tumors, Bell’s palsy and severe facial scarring. Surgeons at Pediatrix Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists have completed specialized fellowship training dedicated to restoring facial form and function using surgical techniques. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists is one of the world-class facilities for craniofacial surgery to treat conditions such as craniosynostosis, head and neck deformities, facial tumors and more.

Craniofacial surgery treats the following conditions:

• Craniosynostosis including Crouzon syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, Apert syndrome, Muenke syndrome and many others
• Jaw deformity requiring orthognathic surgery such as Goldenhar syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, craniofacial microsomia, long face syndrome, Beckwidth-Wiedemann syndrome and others
• Microtia and all types of congenital ear deformities (prominent ears, cryptotia, cupped ears, Stahl's ear)
• Skull and orbit (eye socket) deformities including encephaloceles, craniofrontal orbital dysplasia and orbital hypertelorism
• Tumors of the skull bone and orbits: fibrous dysplasia, meningocele, ameloblastomas, odontogenic keratocyst and others
• Jaw deformities caused by cleft lip and palate and other complex Tessier facial clefts
• Anotia and microphthalmia
• Eyelid ptosis
• And many other conditions

Procedures performed include:

• Open craniosynostosis repair
• Endoscopic craniosynostosis repair
• Skull distraction
• Orthognathic (jaw correction) procedures
• Mandibular and maxillary distraction
• Le Fort procedures
• Monoblock procedures
• Facial tumors including fibrous dysplasia
• Ear reconstruction for microtia
• Ear procedures including otoplasty and keloid scar removal
• Bollard plates, piriform plates and non-osteotomy facial reconstruction

Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) Orthognathics

Virtual Surgical Planning uses data to more accurately plan surgery with customized 3D printed surgical tools and guides. It is a more precise, anatomically based surgical simulation method. 

Eric Stelnicki, M.D., was the first craniofacial surgeon to use VSP Orthognathics in Florida to treat complex jaw deformities related to craniofacial disorders.

The patient's that Dr. Stelnicki performed jaw surgery on with VSP Orthognathics were all diagnosed with Craniofacial Microsomia (CFM), also known as Hemifacial Microsomia. CFM describes a vast array of abnormalities that affect the skull's development before birth. Individuals with this possess a facial anatomy of reduced growth, resulting in various degrees of craniofacial asymmetry that only progresses over time.

Does your child have a facial or skull malformation? Turn to the craniomaxillofacial experts at Pediatrix Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists. Request an appointment online or call our office today.