Our Procedures: Craniofacial Injuries and Conditions

Skull figure

As pioneers of innovative facial reconstruction techniques, surgeons in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins use state-of-the-art procedures to relieve pain and improve appearance, form and function. These treatments can be life-changing for those with craniofacial abnormalities resulting from injury, trauma or cancer.

Why choose Johns Hopkins?

The Johns Hopkins Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is staffed by surgeons who specialize in different techniques of surgery, such as craniofacial surgery, microvascular surgery, nerve transplantation and bone transplantation. Some of our fellowship-trained plastic surgeons, including pediatric surgeons, specialize in facial reconstruction. Over years of practice, they have built a reputation as being among the best facial reconstruction surgeons in the country. They have learned about and, in many cases, developed and taught the latest and most effective surgical techniques.

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New and existing patients can schedule by phone using this number: 443-997-9466

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Our Specialty Centers

Our physicians specialize in conditions and treatments including cleft lip and palate, facial pain and paralysis, and cranioplasty.

  • Cleft and Craniofacial Center

    Our goal is to help our patients achieve their full potential, without being defined or limited by facial differences.

  • The Multidisciplinary Adult Cranioplasty Center

    If you have suffered from head trauma or a surgical procedure that has left a noticeable change in the contours of your skull or face, we can help you look and feel more like yourself.

  • Pediatric Cranial Reconstruction Center

    Our team meets with children and their families to develop a treatment plan to repair the skull and protect the brain, while taking into account the child’s future growth.

  • Neuroplastic Surgery

    By bridging the gap between neurosurgery and plastic surgery, we ensure patients have complete preservation or restoration of their preoperative appearance, providing them with an enhanced sense of confidence, health and happiness.

Conditions We Treat

  • Atypical facial clefting
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Congenital and acquired ear anomalies (e.g., microtia, cryptotia, Stahl ear, prominent ear deformity)
  • Craniofacial microsomia
  • Craniofacial syndromes (e.g., Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer, Nager, Treacher Collins)
  • Craniosynostosis
  • Facial paralysis arising from: traumatic injury, brain tumor or tumor removal, surgery, stroke, infection, Bell's Palsy, Moebius syndrome (a birth defect that results in the absence of the sixth and seventh facial cranial nerve), and other congenital abnormalities
  • Facial pain arising from: trigeminal neuroma, trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain
  • Facial trauma
  • Malocclusion/jaw disproportion
  • Pediatric cranial reconstruction
  • Pierre Robin Sequence
  • Positional head shape deformities
  • Romberg hemifacial atrophy
  • Velopharyngeal insufficiency

Restoring the Skull’s Form and Appearance Through Neuroplastic Surgery — Dennis’ Story

Life-saving surgery in Tanzania after a two-story fall left Dennis, then age 20, alive, but with 45% of his skull missing. Stalled in his recovery due to incomplete wound healing and underlying bone infection, Dennis turned to Johns Hopkins neuroplastic surgeon Chad Gordon and neurosurgeon Judy Huang, who devised a two-surgery approach. The first procedure addressed the infected bone segment that was causing severe deformity, and the second offered a transformative solution: a custom implant to shape Dennis’ head, replace the missing skull and protect his brain. Now fully healed, Dennis can play soccer and return to school.

Patient Resources

Our Physicians

As a part of our multidisciplinary approach to care, our reconstruction surgeons work with neurologists, pain management specialists and others to create a treatment plan that promises the best possible outcome for the patient. From the first consultation to the final check-up, our reconstructive surgeons are devoted to their profession and to providing attentive patient care.

  • Damon Sean Cooney, M.D., Ph.D.

    • Clinical Director, Face Transplant Program, Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Transplant Center
    • Clinical Co-Director, Penile Transplantation, Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Transplant Center
    • Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Chad Gordon, D.O.

    • Director, Neuroplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Co-Director, Multidisciplinary Adult Cranioplasty Center (MACC)
    • Fellowship Director, Neuroplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, (Plastic Surgery)
    • Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Professor of Neurosurgery
  • Ilana M Zinn, D.M.D., M.S.

    • Director, Cleft-Craniofacial Orthodontics
    • Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Scott David Lifchez, M.D.

    • Director, Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery Service, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • Chief, Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
    • Program Director, Johns Hopkins/University of Maryland Plastic Surgery Residency
    • Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Michele Manahan, M.D.

    • Assistant Medical Director for the Johns Hopkins Office of Telemedicine
    • Department Vice Chair for Faculty and Staff Development and Well-Being and Past Department Director of Patient Safety
    • Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Rick Redett III, M.D.

    • Director, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Director, Cleft Lip and Palate Center
    • Director, Genitourinary Transplant Program
    • Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Professor of Pediatrics
  • Robin Yang, D.D.S., M.D.

    • Director of Pediatric Plastic Surgery
    • Division Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry
    • Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    • Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery