FROM THE DIVISION HEAD
On behalf of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, welcome to our website. CHLA and our group of dedicated and talented professionals is one of the largest craniofacial centers in the country.
As a medical specialty, plastic surgery is poorly understood by both the general public and some medical professionals as well. Unlike other medical disciplines, plastic surgery is not defined by an anatomic area (OB/Gyn, podiatry, thoracic surgery) or organ system (gastroenterology, urology,) or patient age group (pediatrics, adolescent medicine, geriatrics). With all of the recent media attention, most people think of plastic surgeons as only cosmetic surgeons.
The subspecialty of Pediatric Plastic Surgery or Craniofacial Surgery is even less understood. Our group of surgeons have all completed a residency in plastic surgery and have chosen to do further training in formal fellowships designed to provide expertise in treating children. In our world of treating children, “cosmetic” has a different meaning. We understand that the psychological and social implications of looking different can be devastating for children. Unlike many of their adult counterparts, kids don’t want to stand out; they simply want to fit in. The providers and staff in our Division of Plastic Surgery and the Craniofacial and Cleft Center are committed to helping children and their parents in a compassionate and professional atmosphere.
Mark M. Urata, M.D., D.D.S.
Division Head
Division of Plastic Surgery
Craniofacial and Cleft Center
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles would like to welcome you to our web site. This site is a service to help you find out more about the treatment options available to your child.
As a parent, it is important to understand your child's condition as completely as possible. In fact, it is reasonable to question what children's plastic surgery is all about. Pediatric plastic surgery is a medical specialty which aims to correct a child's physical deformity and restore a more normal appearance. As a discipline, this field covers a complex range of conditions. We treat children with birth defects (congenital defects) of the head, face, hands, feet, and other areas. We also treat children with traumatic injuries (accidents, burns); skin and superficial tumors (benign and malignant), and other problems.
Some of the most common specific conditions that we see and treat are:
©2007 Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. All rights reserved.
Mark M. Urata, M.D.,D.D.S.