Pediatric/Craniofacial Surgery in Washington DC

When a child is born with, or later develops, a facial or cranial condition, families often face anxiety and uncertainty. Pediatric and craniofacial surgery offers hope: carefully timed care that supports growth, function, and appearance as your child develops. Stephen B. Baker, MD, DDS, FACS, recommends safe procedures with long-lasting results.

What Is Pediatric & Craniofacial Surgery?

Pediatric and craniofacial surgery covers conditions affecting the face, skull, and soft tissue from infancy through adolescence. That includes congenital differences, deformities, or tissue concerns. Treatments range from non-surgical molding to reconstructive procedures. Decisions are based on growth, anatomy, and functional needs.

The team approach

Pediatric care is built on collaboration. Treatment planning often involves coordination with pediatricians, speech therapists, orthodontists, anesthesiologists, and nursing teams. This shared approach supports consistency, safety, and thoughtful long-term planning for each child.

Anesthesia and safety

Anesthesia planning is individualized for every child. When sedation is required, pediatric-trained anesthesia professionals provide care in accredited surgical settings. Continuous monitoring before, during, and after treatment supports safety and comfort throughout the process.

Pediatric & Craniofacial Surgery Services We Offer

Cleft Lip and Palate

If your child was born with either or both of these conditions, your doctor will probably recommend surgery to repair them. Medical professionals have made significant advances in treating children with clefts, enabling your child to lead a normal, healthy, and happy life.

Cleft lip and palate repair restores facial structure while supporting feeding, speech development, and long-term growth. Surgery is carefully timed to align with developmental milestones and coordinated with pediatric specialists.

Learn more about cleft lip repair and care ›

Ear Molding (EarWell and Infant Ear)

Congenital ear anomalies are common and can be difficult to treat. Traditionally, surgery has been necessary to treat ear anomalies such as Stahl’s ear, cryptotia, cup ear, lop ear, and protruding ears.

Infant ear deformity correction, like EarWell, offered by Dr. Baker, reshapes ear cartilage early, when it’s most malleable, to improve ear form without incisions. It’s a gentle, non-surgical, non-invasive option with minimal downtime.

Learn more about ear molding options ›

Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion is a relatively straightforward procedure that enables the body to “grow” extra skin for use in reconstructing almost any part of the body.

The procedure allows careful reconstruction of birthmarks, scars, or congenital differences with sufficient tissue for later correction.

Learn more about tissue expansion for birthmarks ›

Who are these Procedures for?

These procedures may be appropriate for infants, children, or adolescents diagnosed with congenital facial differences, craniofacial anomalies, ear deformities, or tissue irregularities. It may also be ideal for children who require reconstruction or pediatric scar revision following injury, surgery, or congenital conditions. Some children benefit from early non-invasive treatment. Others may require surgical correction or staged procedures over time. 

A careful evaluation helps determine optimal timing and approach.

What to Expect During the Procedures

Cleft lip and palate repair

Treatment begins with a pre-surgical evaluation. On surgery day, your child will receive anesthesia under pediatric-trained professionals. Dr. Baker will carefully reposition tissue to close the cleft and reconstruct the lip or palate. Incisions are placed to support function and facial symmetry. Afterward, the team closely monitors recovery. Pain management, wound care, and follow-up visits are arranged to support healing and long-term growth.

Non-surgical ear molding

Early in life, flexible molds are gently applied to the infant’s ears. The molds are worn for several hours per day, as directed. Over weeks, the cartilage reshapes naturally. The process is painless and avoids sedation or incisions. Progress is monitored regularly. Once the desired shape is achieved, molds are removed, usually before the cartilage becomes rigid.

Tissue expansion

During an outpatient procedure, a soft balloon-like expander is placed under healthy skin near the affected area. Over weeks to months, the expander is gradually filled with saline during clinic visits. This encourages the skin to stretch slowly and safely. Once expansion yields enough skin, a second procedure uses that skin for reconstruction, improving contour, minimizing tension, and optimizing appearance.

Recovery and Results

Recovery varies by procedure type and your child’s age. Non-surgical treatments, such as ear molding, typically allow infants to continue daily routines with little to no interruption. These approaches are designed to work gradually while remaining gentle on developing tissue.

Surgical procedures may involve temporary swelling, mild discomfort, and short-term activity limits. Your child will be closely monitored throughout recovery, with clear guidance provided for at-home care and follow-up visits. Over time, results are planned to support healthy growth, improved structure, and a reduced likelihood of requiring additional corrective procedures.

Benefits of Pediatric & Craniofacial Surgery

By combining specialized techniques, timing, and individualized care, these procedures offer important benefits:

• Restores facial structure and symmetry
• Supports feeding, speech, and functional development (for cleft repair)
• Uses non-invasive or minimally invasive options where possible (ear molding)
• Provides sufficient tissue for reconstruction with minimal tension (tissue expansion)
• Reduces the risk of future complications or the need for repeated corrective procedures
• Supports emotional and social well-being as the child ages

Cost and Financing

Costs vary based on diagnosis, procedure type, and care setting. Some procedures may be covered by insurance. Financing options may also be available and are discussed during consultation to help families plan in advance.

Why Choose Stephen B. Baker, MD, DDS, FACS

Dr. Stephen Baker brings extensive training to pediatric and craniofacial care as a board-certified pediatric plastic surgeon, with dual doctorates and advanced fellowship experience in craniofacial surgery. His background includes comprehensive training in reconstructive plastic surgery, pediatric procedures, and facial reconstruction, allowing him to address complex conditions through careful planning and a long-term perspective.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Baker serves in academic leadership as a program director and has contributed to the field through textbook editing, peer-reviewed publications, and national and international lectures. This academic involvement reflects a deep understanding of evolving standards in pediatric and craniofacial surgery and supports thoughtful, evidence-informed care.

Families value a care philosophy that centers on clear communication and informed decision-making. Dr. Baker’s combined expertise in dental, maxillofacial, and plastic surgery supports treatment plans that consider both function and facial balance, with attention to how a child’s needs may change as they grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book a Consultation

At Dr. Stephen Baker’s practice, we understand the unique challenges that pediatric patients and their families face. Our team, serving Washington, DC, and McLean, is committed to providing compassionate, specialized care tailored to each child’s needs. If your child requires pediatric plastic surgery, please schedule a consultation. Contact us today to take the first step toward comprehensive care.