World-Class Craniofacial Surgery in New Jersey
The New Jersey Institute for Craniofacial Surgery (NJICS) at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center has a long tradition of tradition of excellence, with more than 70 years of innovation in revolutionary treatments for cleft lip and palate. Our team of exceptionally skilled craniofacial specialists are renowned for their comprehensive expertise in treating a wide array of craniofacial disorders. Our team has some of the most highly trained professionals in the country, reinforcing our position as one of the premier full-scope craniofacial facilities in the greater metropolitan area.
To refer a patient or to make an appointment, call 973-322-7123.
Accreditation and Team Disciplines
Accredited by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, our comprehensive team comprises specialists across a wide range of disciplines including:
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Audiology
- Prosthodontics
Comprehensive Care Through All Stages of Development
Our integrated team approach ensures that every patient benefits from a full spectrum of craniofacial care throughout each stage of their development. While many centers have narrowed their focus to treating only cleft lip and palate, NJICS is dedicated to treating the entire scope of craniofacial issues.
Conditions We Treat
- Cleft lip and palate
- Hemifacial microsomia
- Craniosynostosis
- Cruzon syndrome
- Apert syndrome
- Pfeiffer syndrome
- 21Q deletion syndrome
- Treacher Collins syndrome
- Vascular anomalies
- Jaw abnormalities
- Congenital ear deformities
Procedures We Perform
- Cleft lip and palate repair
- Endoscopic craniosynostosis treatment
- Cranial vault remodeling
- Microtia ear reconstruction
- BAHA application
- T-tube placement
- Reconstructive jaw surgery
- Midface advancement
- Distraction osteogenesis
- Speech therapy
- Orthodontics
- Comprehensive audiology testing
Innovation in Surgical Practices and Technology
Embracing our long history of innovation, our team remains at the cutting edge of adopting new technologies and surgical methods, including:
- The practice of distraction osteogenesis for facial bone repositioning
- Utilizing Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) as a substitute for hip bone in alveolar bone grafting, thus avoiding hip surgery
- Providing early support through prenatal consultations
- Employing 3D virtual planning for surgeries
- Utilization of 3D-printed surgical guides and fixation plates
- Digital impressions for dental procedures
- Advanced 3D imaging techniques
- Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for Craniosynostosis
- Sophisticated BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aids) procedures
In addition, our center was the first in the state to broadcast a monoblock facial bipartition procedure live to a viewing audience of surgeons from the metropolitan area. Considered the most complex craniofacial reconstruction procedure aside from a face transplant, this surgical operation involves detaching the entire facial skeleton from the cranial base advancing it forward, splitting it in half down the middle, and then reattaching it with titanium plates and screws.
Private/Institutional Approach
NJICS adopts a unique care model that merges the advantages of both institutional and private health care settings. As a part of RWJBarnabas Health, the largest and most comprehensive health care system in the state of New Jersey, we offer the resources of a major health care system. However, we also offer the personalized attention and comfort of private consultations and follow-up visits in our doctors' offices. In addition, although residents and fellows may observe and assist our surgeons, all procedures are performed exclusively by our world-class team not by surgeons in training as they may be in other hospital settings.
At the New Jersey Institute for Craniofacial Surgery, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of state-of-the-art, compassionate care to individuals with craniofacial conditions.
How to Refer Patients to the Center
All new patients are appointed to meet and be examined by our full team. The team also meets
and consults with expectant parents who have a prenatal diagnosis indicating their child will be
born with a cleft lip/palate or other craniofacial abnormality. Health care providers may contact
Dr. Amato to discuss any aspect of patient care or center procedures.
To refer a patient or to make an appointment, call 973-322-7123.
Distinguished History
The New Jersey Institute for Craniofacial Surgery (NJICS) was founded over 70 years ago as one of the nation's first dedicated craniofacial centers. With a distinguished legacy in cleft and craniofacial surgery, NJICS has been at the forefront of numerous pioneering achievements within the state of New Jersey. Under the guidance of Dr. Linden Peer, our esteemed founders introduced revolutionary treatments for cleft lip and palate. They developed the cleft lip adhesion procedure which, at the time, was performed throughout the country. They also conducted pivotal research on the relationship between folic acid deficiency and cleft lip and palate and cartilage grafting for ear reconstruction. Following this tradition, the subsequent generation of surgeons, led by Dr. Cyrus Amato, became the first to perform various types of jaw reconstruction and midface advancement procedures in New Jersey and have been innovators in the field of distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of children with cleft lip and palate for over a decade.
World-Class Expertise
NJICS continues its tradition of excellence with a team of exceptionally skilled craniofacial specialists, renowned for their comprehensive expertise in treating a wide array of craniofacial disorders. Our team has grown significantly since its inception, incorporating some of the most highly trained professionals in the country, reinforcing its position as one of the premier full-scope craniofacial facilities in the greater metropolitan area.
Services are funded in part by Special Child Health Services, New Jersey Department of Health.