University of California San Francisco
Craniofacial anomalies
Craniofacial anomalies take many forms—from relatively common problems such as cleft palates and lips, which occur in about one out of every 600 newborns, to craniosynostosis, which involves the early fusing of one or more of the bones in the skull and face during fetal development.
In these anomalies, something in the face, mouth or neck is not working properly, and a dental professional and often a surgeon are needed, typically during childhood and sometimes even prenatally.
Pioneers in Craniofacial Care
The UCSF Craniofacial Center, established in 1954, is the longest-standing comprehensive cleft and craniofacial clinic on the West Coast. We maintain a goal of providing state-of-the-art care while pioneering better treatments for children and families affected by craniofacial disorders. A world-class university like UCSF provides the resources to constantly push the field forward by encouraging a constant flow of new ideas, conducting groundbreaking research, and then taking what we’ve learned from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside.
Payment and insurance options
We are committed to providing care to any child with a cleft or other craniofacial condition, regardless of their financial background. The Craniofacial Center offers various ways to pay for care and accepts a number of different insurance plans. Accepted insurance plans vary from clinic to clinic and may change over time. Please be sure to ask our staff about insurance options when scheduling your appointment.
- Insurance: We accept most medical insurance plans. Bring your benefit card or insurance plan information to your appointment.
- Direct payment: Patients may pay with cash, check or credit card.
What to expect
Multidisciplinary approach
Our clinic takes a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists to fully assess your child’s condition and treatment options. Each Craniofacial Center visit includes several coordinated appointments, allowing you to see all necessary providers in one day.
Personalized consultation
If you or your family member has a cleft or other craniofacial condition, we’re here to provide expert evaluation and care. Partnering with our craniofacial team is an important step that ensures well-coordinated, comprehensive care.
The cutting edge
Our vision includes maintaining a constant flow of new ideas, research, and translational endeavors that only an institution like UCSF can sustain. This commitment helps us achieve our goal of delivering state-of-the-art care while pioneering better treatments for children and families affected by craniofacial disorders around the world.