Nemours Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Lab
Improving Outcomes Through Surgical Innovation
The Nemours Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Lab (NPRS) in Central Florida explores new ways to improve care for children who need plastic and reconstructive surgery. Our work spans conditions that affect how children hear, speak, look, and function. This includes cleft lip and palate, microtia, craniosynostosis, keloid scarring, and disorders that involve nerve compression, like migraines.
As part of the Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery Research Program, we focus on approaches that enhance preparation before surgery and support better decision-making in the operating room. We evaluate tools that help surgeons plan complex procedures with greater accuracy, like 3D printing and augmented reality. We also study templated cartilage-shaping systems and imaging methods that enhance safety and consistency in the operating room.
Education is an important part of our mission. We provide a learning environment where medical students, research fellows, and early-career clinicians gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies and modern surgical approaches. Through this work, we help shape the next generation of innovators in pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery.
Principal Investigators
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
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
- Research Interests
- Notable Projects
- Impact & Awards
Our Areas of Focus
Cleft Lip & Palate
We study how anatomy, growth, and surgical timing influence outcomes for children born with cleft lip and palate. Our work includes exploring technologies that support more precise planning before surgery.
Microtia & Ear Reconstruction
We investigate tools that may improve ear reconstruction. These templated shaping systems and imaging-based measurements that help guide more consistent, high-quality repairs.
Craniosynostosis & Other Craniofacial Differences
Our team examines how skull shape and growth patterns develop over time. We use imaging analysis and planning methods that help clarify the safest and most effective treatment paths.
Keloid Scarring & Soft Tissue Conditions
We explore why some scars grow aggressively and how different techniques may reduce recurrence. This work supports better healing and long-term cosmetic outcomes.
Nerve Compression & Functional Conditions
We study how nerve compression, particularly migraine headaches, affects daily life, and how surgical approaches may improve pain and overall function.
Recent Research Highlights
Auryzon™ EAR 2.0 Clinical Trial
Currently, our leading project is a prospective clinical trial evaluating the Auryzon™ EAR 2.0 System, a templated cartilage-shaping tool designed to support more consistent and precise auricular reconstruction for children with microtia.
The study examines how templated shaping may improve predictability, reduce variability, and strengthen surgical planning. Our approach emphasizes careful testing and evidence-based evaluation before introducing new tools to clinical practice.
Notable Projects
These projects demonstrate the breadth of our work:
- 3D printing for operative planning: Using patient-specific models to improve spatial understanding before complex ear and craniofacial procedures.
- Augmented reality in reconstruction: Evaluating whether real-time visual overlays can guide incisions, improve accuracy, and support decision-making in the operating room.
- Imaging-based growth assessment: Analyzing CT and digital imaging measurements to better understand auricular and craniofacial development, which may inform surgical timing.
- Keloid excision and vascular imaging: Exploring techniques such as ICG angiography to assess blood flow and support safer removal of keloids and soft-tissue lesions.
- Allogeneic cartilage for ear reconstruction: Reviewing early data on donor cartilage as an alternative to rib harvest, with attention to feasibility and safety.
Innovation, Training & Recognition
Our lab drives progress by testing new ideas, preparing future surgical leaders, and sharing discoveries that shape pediatric reconstructive care.
Research Support & Grants
Internal funding helps us explore early concepts, build pilot data, and advance projects that help kids with complex conditions thrive. We’ve recently been awarded the following grants:
Clinical Research Review Committee (CRRC) Award (2025) | Leto Barone, A. (PI)
Ginsburg Institute Health Equity Fellow Grants (2025)
Sharma, I. (Awardee), Leto Barone, A. (PI)
Demeris, A. (Awardee), Leto Barone, A. (PI)
Education & Workforce Development
The NPRS Lab trains medical students, research fellows, and early-career clinicians who want to explore surgical innovation.
Recent alumni have advanced to roles and training pathways at University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Florida State University, Nova Southeastern University, Mayo Clinic, and other academic and clinical innovation programs nationwide.
Carlos Ramirez, Current Fellow
Awards & Honors
Our work has received recognition from national organizations committed to surgical advancement.
Owen H. Wangensteen Scientific Forum Excellence in Research Award (2025)
Awarded by the American College of Surgeons for work led by Dr. Brian Kellogg’s team.
Our Lab in the News
Research in Context
Our lab contributes to research that informs pediatric care and connects to broader areas of scientific study at Nemours.
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.
Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery Research, Central Florida
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Our team advances pediatric plastic surgery through research that improves outcomes and quality of life for children with craniofacial differences.
Behavioral Health Research
RESEARCH AREA
We develop models and tools that support children’s emotional health through evidence-based care, digital interventions, and family-centered strategies.