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Rady Children's Specialists

Pediatric Plastic Surgery

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858-966-4013

Overview

After an ATV accident, Elle received top-notch care by our plastic surgery team at Rady Children’s Hospital. Read her story.

The Division of Plastic Surgery is internationally recognized for its expertise in treating complex craniofacial disorders as well as functional problems with the jaw and airway. We are a high-volume program, performing more than 1,000 procedures a year.

Our highly experienced team treats a wide range of conditions, including cleft lip and palate, vascular lesions, craniosynostosis (a congenital defect that prevents normal skull and brain growth) and disorders of the hand and upper extremity conditions, such as brachial plexus, arthrogyposis and congenital hand differences.

Additionally, we perform plastic surgery for the ears and nose, reconstructive surgery following the removal of cancerous tumors and corrective surgery for sleep apnea.

Craniofacial surgeons work closely with vascular malformation and pediatric dermatology specialists, helping to ensure the best possible outcomes. To treat craniosynostosis, we use a minimally invasive endoscopic approach whenever possible, resulting, in some cases, in immediate correction of the deformity.

Research is also a division priority. In the area of cleft lip and palate surgery, Dr. Gosman, one of our plastic surgeons, continues to investigate new techniques, such as the use of bone graft alternatives for the early primary repair of alveolar clefts. Additionally, she is the principal investigator for an American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons grant to evaluate new and safer imaging exams for children under 5 who are being treated for cleft lip and palate.

We also train the next generation of pediatric plastic surgeons through our fellowship program, which has successfully been integrated with our research endeavors.

How to Request an Appointment with Our Plastic Surgery Team

You will likely need a referral from your current pediatric care provider for procedures with our pediatric plastic surgery department. However, if you have any questions, please contact our Plastic Surgery & Craniofacial Nurse Coordinators at 858-966-4013, Option 4.

For Providers: Referral for Evaluation of Head Shape

Click the link below to access the online provider referral form for craniosynostosis.

Provider Form

Please refer to the Evaluation of Head Shape document to assist with the referral form.

Location

Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego

7920 Frost Street, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92123
Appointments: 858-966-5999, option 5
Fax: 858-966-8394

Conditions Treated

Our children’s plastic surgery team treats a full range of reconstructive needs, craniofacial conditions, and disorders, including:

Education Resources

  • Is your child being treated for craniosynostosis? Make sure you and your child are prepared with our Surgical Checklist: English | Spanish
  • If your provider has requested you use a distractor at home for your child, please read our Distractor Care guide for detailed instructions on usage and safety procedures: English | Spanish
  • If your child will be given a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain after their procedure, please consult our JP Drain Care guide for detailed instructions on usage and care for the device: English | Spanish
  • While scarring is a natural part of the healing process, there are methods of reducing scars by flattening and softening them to reduce the visibility of the scar. Check our Scar Management guide for detailed information on what you can do and when you should begin these methods to safely reduce scarring, and learn about the products which have been scientifically proven to reduce scarring: English | Spanish

Achievements in Pediatric Plastic Surgery

  • Amanda Gosman, M.D., received a grant from the Rady Children’s Medical Practice Foundation and the UC San Diego Clinical and Translational Research Institute to develop a Pediatric Facial Deformity Quality of Life Tool in collaboration with the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University.
  • Amanda Gosman, M.D., was awarded the UC San Diego School of Medicine Academy of Clinician Scholars Grant for the project “Impact of an Interactive Web-based Patient Education Tool on Informed Consent for Plastic Surgery Procedures.”
  • Amanda Gosman, M.D., was named a “Healthcare Champion” by the San Diego Business Journal and a “Local Hero” by Bank of America for her volunteer work at the Fresh Start Clinic at Rady Children’s. She has volunteered more than 350 hours and has donated well over $270,000 in free medical services to Fresh Start Surgical Gifts’ patients.
  • Amanda Gosman, M.D., received a 2016 Daily Point of Light Award for her international humanitarian work from Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. Learn more.

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