Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Patient Stories

Video: Surgery Gives Baby with Craniosynostosis Space for a Growing Brain

When Francesca Belmonte was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, her parents turned to our experts, pediatric neurosurgeon David Frim, MD, PhD, and pediatric plastic surgeon Russell Reid, MD, PhD. Our team of specialists skillfully reshaped Francesca's head, allowing room for her brain and head to grow safely. Francesca's mom, Jessica, created a video to share her daughter's experience with other families as they prepare their children for surgery.

Shaping a New Look

Ty Arroyo wasn’t unhappy with the way he looked before he had major surgery. But now the 9-year-old says he likes his appearance and appreciates it when people tell him, "You look great!" The boy was born with Crouzon syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes connections between the skull and facial bones to close before the brain is fully formed. Ty had a few surgeries between ages 1 and 5, with disappointing results. His parents turned to plastic and reconstructive surgeon Russell Reid, MD, PhD, for help.

Girl Beats Life-Threatening Odds in Craniofacial Transformation

Claire Kubacki was born with a rare craniofacial anomaly that caused her eyes to be asymmetrical and widely set apart. According to plastic and reconstructive surgeon Russell Reid, MD, PhD, the delicate surgery to reset her eye sockets was "fraught with potential life-threatening complications." Thankfully, Claire's surgery went well. Since the corrective surgery, the outgoing 7-year-old has discovered the joy of reading. Before surgery, reading was difficult for Claire, causing her to become frustrated and fatigued.