Craniofacial Program Patient Stories

After complaining of a headache, Charlotte underwent a long journey to be diagnosed with a condition of the skull that is usually detected at birth.

In the seventeen years of Shaikha’s life, she has spent an exceptional amount of time undergoing medical procedures. “By the age of 11, I already had 19 surgeries,” she explains. “I've had 25 surgeries in total.”

After early cranial vault remodeling at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, this teenager is a thriving student, athlete and musician.

Lilliana was born with only one ear due to hemifacial microsomia, a condition in which the tissues on one side of the face are underdeveloped. Doctors at CHOP gave Lilliana a new ear.

Elana was born with abnormalities of her skull requiring surgery. When her parents came to CHOP, ‘We knew it was going to be OK.’

Nora had the least common type of fused skull seam. Her CHOP surgeon had all the tools in his toolbox for the many surgical ways to treat it.

CHOP dietitians work with Savannah’s parents to find a ‘real food’ solution to meet her medical needs and her family's wishes.

When Bear's head became misshapen as an infant due to craniosynostosis, his family learned he needed surgery on his skull.

When Brynnli's mom noticed her daughter's head was growing strangely, she sought help from craniofacial experts at CHOP.

Born with tetralogy of Fallot and Goldenhar syndrome, Emily has endured dozens of surgeries in the past 14 years, and her mission is to teach kindness and acceptance.