Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery

Cleft and Craniofacial SA (CCSA), formerly the Australian Craniofacial Unit, treats patients with rare and/or complex congenital or acquired anomalies, which together affect the head and face.

Cleft and Craniofacial SA treats adults and children with a wide range of craniofacial disorders such as:

• cleft lip and palate deformities through to deep facial clefts
• distortion of the skull and facial shape (craniosynostosis)
• facial fractures
• facial growth anomalies
• trauma cases that require reconstruction
• tumours which require removal followed by reconstructive work.

Some conditions are present at birth, while others, such as tumours and malignant growths, may develop later in life.

For paediatric cases, and more information on cleft and craniofacial conditions, go to the Women's and Children's hospital. 

Outpatient clinic, Level 3G, (ground floor), Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Check appointment information and screens on arrival at the RAH, for the specific location.

Consultants

• Dr Walter Flapper – Head of Unit
• Dr Mark Moore
• Prof. Peter Anderson
• Dr Vani Atluri

Nurse Coordinator

• Ingrid White

Any adult who would like an opinion or is concerned about their facial appearance is eligible to attend CCSA. You need a referral from a GP or medical practitioner to access this service.

Once your referral has been received it will be triaged according to clinical urgency.

If your referral is accepted, you will either:

• receive a letter, phone call or text message confirming your appointment time, date and location
• receive a letter confirming you have been waitlisted for an appointment.

If the referral is declined, your GP or referring medical practitioner will be notified.

• Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme – Australian Government
• CleftPals Victoria – Helping those with, and affected by, cleft lip and palate
• Australasian Cleft Lip & Palate Association Inc.
• Craniofacial Australia
• FACES: National Craniofacial Association (US)
• Genetic Alliance
• 22q Foundation Australia and New Zealand

We accept GP and specialist referrals to this service. 

E-referrals are preferred. Fax or email referrals are accepted.

To ensure timely triage, include all demographic and clinical details as below, and address to Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery.

The service triages referrals according to clinical urgency and is for adults only. Paediatric referrals should refer to the Women's and Children's Hospital for more information.