Pediatric Deformities

Cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate may occur separately, or together. These deformities are surgically repaired during infancy. Repair of cleft lip is typically performed at about 3 months of age and the palate is usually repaired at 9 to 12 months of age. These special children are cared for by a multidisciplinary team in order to optimize their treatment and provide them with the best possible care. Having been trained as both an otolaryngologist and a plastic surgeon, Dr. Dobratz is able to provide a more comprehensive understanding and treatment including lip reconstruction, treatment of hearing and speech problems as well nasal reconstruction that is often required in cleft patients as they develop. Dr. Dobratz traveled to Kenya on a mission trip to perform cleft lip and palate surgeries.

Microtia (ear deformity)

Microtia, or ear deformities occur on a spectrum. They may consist of subtle deformities all the way to an absence of any ear structure. Reconstruction of the deformities depends on the severity and associated factors (hearing loss, bilateral deformities, and other facial or non-facial deformities). Options for reconstruction include surgical reconstruction of a new ear or creation of a prosthesis that is surgically anchored. The options for reconstruction and timing of surgery varies based upon the specific deformity.