Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Children's Mercy offers one of the longest standing pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery programs in the United States. Since one of our co-founders, Katherine Berry Richardson, started performing reconstructive surgeries in 1897, our Plastic Surgery program has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based therapies and providing outstanding care to patients and families in the Kansas/Missouri region and across the country.
Our team
Our multidisciplinary team provides more reconstructive and cosmetic procedures than other program in the region. We use a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care that includes specialists in nutrition, dentistry, otorhinolaryngology, occupational therapy, and genetics.
Department highlights
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We have the largest full-time pediatric plastic surgery program in the U.S.
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All of our surgeons are fellowship trained.
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Families can preview surgery results through innovative 3D rendering technology.
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Our surgeons are also trained in multiple subspecialties, including cranio, hand, and microsurgery.
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Every surgery is attended by a pediatric anesthesiologist who has experience in administering anesthesia precisely for the child's age, size and condition.
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Patient appointments are accessible at one of four locations (Adele Hall, Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas, Children's Mercy Northland, and Children's Mercy Wichita).
Programs
Our fellowship-trained surgeons provide evaluations and surgical services for children with congenital and developmental anomalies, trauma, and other reconstructive surgical needs. Parents can receive prenatal consultations following an ultrasound diagnosis. Our social workers provide family support and access to community resources. Patients also benefit from an innovative blood conservation program, which greatly reduces the need for blood transfusions during surgery.
Clinical Services
The experienced cleft palate/lip and craniofacial team at Children's Mercy Kansas City treats more patients each year than any other program in a six-state region, including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
The Children’s Mercy JAWS Clinic provides a single point of contact for patients with jaw deformities that often require the expertise of specialty providers from several fields.
With one of the most experienced and largest teams of specialists in the nation, the craniofacial program at Children’s Mercy treats a full range of complex conditions. From craniosynostosis to more rare conditions, we provide care for the whole child from birth into adulthood.
Conditions
- Abnormal head shape
- plagiocephaly
- craniosynostosis
- Breast reduction (patients under 18 years old)/Gynecomastia
- Cleft lip/palate
- Hand fractures
- Jaw, Airway, Sleep (JAWS)
- Missing/deformed ears
- Nasal fractures/deviated septum
- Skin anomalies
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- Cyst/Mass
- Moles
- Lesions
- Scars
- Lacerations
- Vascular malformations
- Neurofibroma
- Hemangioma
- Lymphangioma
- Port wine stain
- Special Considerations
- Warts and molluscum refer to Dermatology
- Lip ties are provider referral only
Stories
Cleft lip and palate: Virginia's story
Cleft lip and palate are just one small part of little Virginia's big personality. Innovative at-home treatment options developed at Children's Mercy helped keep Virginia's progress on track during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside Pediatrics: Hallie's story
Newborn Hallie can’t breathe well because her jaw is malformed. Learn how innovative 3D printing technology reduces her time in the operating room.
Pierre Robin sequence: Kaleb's story
Kaleb Ebrecht has Pierre Robin sequence, a genetic condition that causes a small jaw and breathing problems. But thanks to surgery to lengthen his jaw at Children’s Mercy, Kaleb is breathing easy.

Cleft lip and palate: Joaquin's story
Shao Jiang, MD, pediatric plastic surgeon, repairs Joaquin’s previous cleft lip and palate surgery, which was performed in another country. Dr. Jing’s goal is to reduce scaring and improve function for Joaquin.
Highest level of surgical care
Children’s Mercy is one of only 30 locations in the nation to be verified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center.
Planning for surgery
From free valet parking at the front door to personalized follow-up care during your child’s recovery, we want every aspect of your experience at Children’s Mercy to be beyond your expectations.
Read about how to prepare your child for scheduled surgery, what to expect when you arrive, and resources available while you’re here.
Pediatric anesthesia at Children's Mercy
At Children’s Mercy, a pediatric anesthesiologist is an active member of your child’s care team before, during and after their surgery or procedure.
We administer anesthesia for more than 27,000 kids per year—that’s 74 per day—so our team is experienced at finding just-right doses of medication for kids of all sizes.
Contact the Plastic Surgery Team
Children's Mercy Plastic Surgery Clinic
(816) 234-3020
Children's Mercy Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic
(816) 760-5829
Children's Mercy Craniofacial Clinic
(816) 234-3020
Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas Plastic Surgery Clinic
(816) 234-3020