Pediatric Microsurgery and Facial Reanimation Program
One of Few Programs in the Country to Offer Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Approach to Pediatric Microsurgery
Pediatric Microsurgery and Facial Reanimation Program
The Pediatric Microsurgery and Facial Reanimation Program at Nationwide Children's Hospital is a partnership between the Nationwide Children's Hospital Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The Ohio State University Department of Plastic Surgery. This is one of the few programs in the country offering a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of experts in pediatric microsurgery. This relationship is a significant component to delivering best outcomes for our patients through integration of our clinical, research and academic programs. The collaboration of the physician teams ensures that each child will receive the optimal care for their particular need.
What is facial reanimation?
Facial expressions require function of the facial nerves on both sides of the face. The facial nerve controls movement of the eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks and lips. Injury to the facial nerve may affect the ability to lift the eyebrows, close the eyes, smile, speak, eat and frown. One or both sides of the face may be affected, depending upon the cause of facial paralysis.
Conditions that cause facial paralysis may be congenital (a condition your child was born with) or acquired from trauma, tumor, infection or Bell’s palsy.
Our Team
Surgeons employ specialized techniques using operating microscopes to perform intricate operations on small blood vessels and nerves to restore form and function to children affected by trauma, cancer and congenital differences. Our surgeons are experienced in both the specialized care of children, as well as the most cutting edge techniques in microsurgery.
What conditions do we treat?
Our experts employ specialized microsurgical techniques to treat a variety of conditions including:
- Facial nerve palsy that is due to congenital conditions such as Moebius syndrome, hemifacial microsomia or may be acquired as a result of tumors or trauma
- Extremity conditions that may require free functional muscle transplantation or toe to hand transfers
- Traumatic injuries requiring reconstruction
- Oncologic reconstruction after tumor resection
- Vascular malformations requiring complex reconstruction
- Severe burn injuries requiring complex reconstruction
Inside the Pediatric Microsurgery and Facial Reanimation Program
Inside the OR with Kim Bjorklund, MD
Join us inside the operating room as Kim Bjorklund, MD removes a mass on her patient's hand.