Pediatric Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 469-497-2501

UT Southwestern Medical Center has one of the largest, most experienced group of pediatric reconstructive plastic surgeons in the U.S. Our specialists are devoted to helping infants, children, and adolescents with abnormalities resulting from birth defects, trauma, injury, or disease.

Our plastic surgeons rely on extensive experience, unique techniques, and leading-edge discoveries to successfully achieve a more normal appearance while restoring function and mobility.

Personalized Care for Children

A young girl is smiling while a healthcare professional uses a stethoscope to check her.

Our team is internationally recognized for advancements in pediatric reconstructive procedures. As part of an academic medical institution, we combine knowledge and experience with thousands of patients to define the most effective options available.

Our research defines improvements to surgical techniques, the most effective applications for new technology, and the ways the body heals and responds to treatment. UT Southwestern surgeons teach future physicians, as well as those already in practice, the latest techniques and findings regarding pediatric reconstructive procedures.

Just as important, children and their families can expect a very personalized approach to care. Our surgeons are accessible and willing to explain the need for a reconstructive procedure and what can be expected afterward. We welcome questions and calls from parents wanting information about their child’s treatment options and progress.

“We provide personalized care, follow the patient over years, and make modifications along the way, allowing the treatment to grow with the patient. Even with injuries that seem devastating, kids are resilient and heal quickly. It’s gratifying to be able to treat these injured patients, restore function, and get them back to the activities they love.”

Jennifer Kargel, M.D.

Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery

Conditions We Treat With Pediatric Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Patients can rely on our surgeons for guidance with all types of pediatric conditions affecting the head, face, limbs, and bodies, including cases that are very complex or rare. Our pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery team specializes in treating conditions such as:

  • Birth marks, such as hemangiomas
  • Blood vessel malformations
  • Brachial plexus palsy
  • Burns
  • Cleft lip and cleft palate
  • Congenital hand defects
  • Craniofacial birth defects
  • Craniosynostosis 
  • Ear deformities
  • Hand and upper extremity abnormalities
  • Injuries from trauma
  • Jaw deformities
  • Lower extremity abnormalities
  • Nasal deformities
  • Pigmented lesions
  • Port-wine stain
  • Vascular malformations and vascular anomalies

Treatments

We offer the full spectrum of medical and surgical care that pediatric patients need, focusing on what’s safe and effective for each patient.

Treatments we offer include:

  • Pediatric reconstructive plastic surgery
  • Brachial plexus reconstruction
  • Craniofacial surgery
  • Maxillofacial surgery
  • Facial reanimation
  • Reconstruction after cancer treatments
  • Surgery after traumatic injuries and burns

First, we perform a precise initial evaluation, then follow up with the surgical procedure, postoperative care, and support after the surgery.

Patients have access to a full multidisciplinary team at UT Southwestern, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, physical medicine physicians, otolaryngologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and other doctors and health care professionals.

"The children we treat are our heroes. Some are facing the most complicated situations imaginable, such as abnormalities that significantly affect the appearance and development of their faces."

Alex Kane, M.D.

Professor of Plastic Surgery