Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery Research, Central Florida
- About Us
- Our Research
- Research Impact
Transforming Children’s Lives Through Leading-Edge Research and Surgery
Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery Research at Nemours Children’s in Central Florida brings together rigorous scientific investigation and compassionate care to address the complex needs of children with craniofacial differences. Our multidisciplinary team advances the field through evidence-based innovations that improve both surgical outcomes and quality of life.
Our research ranges from technical innovation to psychosocial support. We're developing precision surgical devices that enhance microtia reconstruction, using advanced 3D imaging for better surgical planning, and creating new approaches to keloid treatment that reduce recurrence rates. We’re also studying how these interventions affect speech development, social adjustment, and long-term well-being.
We focus on conditions including cleft lip and palate, microtia, craniosynostosis, burns, scars, and compression neuropathies, with the goal of translating research advances into improved care for every child. By bringing together specialists from plastic surgery, otolaryngology, speech pathology, audiology, and psychology, we're building a knowledge base that informs more effective treatments and better support systems for patients and families.
In collaboration with researchers worldwide, we're working to advance the scientific understanding of craniofacial conditions while making meaningful differences in children's lives. As a team, we help kids achieve better functional outcomes, greater confidence, and the opportunity to thrive.
Leading in Pediatric Plastic & Craniofacial Research: By the Numbers
Our multidisciplinary team is transforming pediatric care through leading-edge research and advanced technologies. Our achievements highlight our dedication.
2,800+
Kids we care for each year
7+
Specialty areas we work closely with
7+
Researchers on our team
16+
Medical students and trainees
We're leaders in innovative ear care and reconstruction with our Nemours Interdisciplinary Center for Ear Reconstruction.
With novel surgical device development, we're making microtia reconstruction safer, higher quality, and more consistent.
We rapidly move new approaches in 3D imaging and printing into clinical practice for improved surgical planning and precision.
Our extensive network of specialists means we're conducting research and providing holistic care for children with craniofacial differences.
Our Leadership
Brian C. Kellogg, MD
Chief, Division of Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery
Director, Center for Cleft & Craniofacial Differences, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida in Orlando
Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery, University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Angelo A. Leto Barone, MD, FACS
Craniofacial & Pediatric Plastic Surgeon
Co-Director, Nemours Children’s Ear, Hearing & Communication Center (NEHCC)
Director, Nemours Children’s Interdisciplinary Center for Ear Reconstruction (NICEAR), Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida
Research Team
Advancing Pediatric Surgical Care
Our researchers investigate many aspects of plastic and craniofacial surgery in children. Our efforts have coalesced around some key focus areas and themes.
Focus Areas
Our team concentrates research efforts within these focus areas:
Reshaping Lives: Pediatric Plastic Surgery Advancements
We develop innovative techniques for children with craniofacial differences, working to improve both function and aesthetics. Our specialized reconstruction approaches focus on enhancing quality of life while achieving natural-looking results that help kids feel confident about their appearance.
Rebuilding Ears: Microtia Care & Reconstruction
Through our NICEAR program, we're advancing multiple aspects of microtia treatment, including:
- Surgical device development
- 3D imaging and printing innovations
- Speech evaluation research
Guiding Precision Interventions: Advanced Imaging for Surgical Planning
We're investigating advanced imaging modalities, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and other tests to improve surgical decision-making for children with velopharyngeal dysfunction. These precise diagnostic tools help us find the most effective treatments for each child, optimizing speech outcomes and function.
Caring for the Whole Child: Multidisciplinary Collaboration
We bring together experts from plastic surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, audiology, speech pathology, psychology, and more to address the complex physical and emotional needs of children with craniofacial differences.
Transforming Care & Education: New Treatments & AI Applications
Our research is transforming keloid scar treatment and enhancing plastic surgery education using AI applications.
Research Themes
While our focus areas highlight what we study, our research themes or approaches define how we work to advance children's craniofacial care. Guiding research themes include:
- Innovative device development: We design and create specialized surgical tools that make complex procedures more precise, consistent, and accessible to more surgeons.
- Advanced imaging applications: We leverage cutting-edge 3D photography and printing technology to enhance surgical planning, improve precision, and create personalized treatment plans.
- Minimally invasive techniques: We develop approaches that simplify treatment, reduce patient discomfort, and minimize the need for multiple interventions.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration: We bring together experts from plastic surgery, otolaryngology, audiology, speech pathology, psychology, and more to address the complex physical and emotional needs of children with craniofacial differences.
- Translational innovation: We rapidly move from research discoveries to practical clinical applications, helping children benefit from the latest advances in craniofacial care.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at Nemours
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Currently, we do not have active clinical trials in this area. However, as a system, Nemours researchers are continuously exploring new opportunities to advance the field through innovative studies.
Related Research & Clinical Focus
Centers at Nemours often align with research areas, affiliated labs, and clinical programs to support discovery and care systemwide.
Center for Cleft & Craniofacial Differences, Central Florida
CLINICAL CARE
Coordinated care for cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and other craniofacial differences, delivered by an expert interdisciplinary team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida.
Ear, Hearing & Communication Center, Florida
CLINICAL CARE
Specialized care for children with microtia, aural atresia, and hearing loss, offered at one of the nation’s few dedicated pediatric centers at Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida.
Awards & Recognition
Researchers at Nemours are often recognized for their exceptional contributions to pediatric research. Our team’s passion to advance children’s health and wellbeing is celebrated in these recent awards:
Dr. Kellogg
2022 Clinical Excellence Award: Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida
Dr. Leto Barone
2021 Best Paper Award: FACE, the official publication of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS) and of the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (ASCFS)