Our Experts

The pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery program at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital includes three board-certified, specially trained pediatric plastic surgeons dedicated to the repair and reconstruction of growing bodies. They are internationally recognized as experts in cosmetic and reconstructive surgical needs in children and teens, specifically with cleft lip and palate, maxillofacial and craniofacial conditions, as well as breast and chest wall or other parts of the body.

VIDEO MEET & GREET

Request a video meet and greet to talk with a pediatric plastic surgeon one-on-one. In the video chat you’ll learn more about our services and how we may be able to help your child. Chats are available during the daytime, evenings and weekends. Learn More »

Robert J. Mann, MD

Dr. Robert Mann

Division Chief, Pediatric Plastic & Craniofacial Surgery

Robert Mann, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the division chief of pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery. He is internationally known for his expertise in treating cleft lip and palate, has been extensively involved in research and teaching, and has been published in scientific journals. Dr. Mann is a pioneer and innovator in pediatric plastic surgery, having developed several techniques that revolutionized care, including the buccal flap approach and tongue-lip adhesion suspension.

Dr. Mann specializes in cleft lip and palate repair, as well as craniofacial reconstruction. He is dedicated to providing the most advanced surgical approach based on solid scientific evidence and the best long-term outcome for each patient by customizing the approach to what the individual child or teenager needs. View Full Biography »

John A. Girotto, MD, FAAP, FACS

Dr. John Girotto

John Girotto, MD, FAAP, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Girotto is a nationally recognized pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery expert who is dedicated to research and has published numerous articles in scientific journals. He has served on the board of directors for the American Cleft Palate Society and is the recent president of the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Girotto specializes in cleft lip and palate repair, craniofacial surgery for conditions such as craniosynostosis, as well as jaw reconstruction and orthognathic surgery. He is also leading a new multidisciplinary effort dedicated to pediatric breast differences, including gynecomastia in boys and breast growth asymmetries and macromastia in girls. Dr. Girotto’s passion is for ensuring that all patients have the highest quality of team care possible. View Full Biography »

John W. Polley, MD

Dr. John W. Polley

John W. Polley, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and is internationally recognized as a leader in maxillofacial (jaw and midface) surgery. Dr. Polley has been extensively involved in research and teaching and has published more than 125 peer-reviewed articles on cleft and craniomaxillofacial surgery in scientific journals and textbooks. He is recognized as an innovator in plastic surgery, having developed several procedures and created numerous medical devices, including the widely used rigid external distraction (RED) device.

Dr. Polley specializes in cleft lip and palate repair, craniofacial reconstruction, and craniomaxillofacial and oral maxillofacial surgery, as well as orthognathic surgery. Dr. Polley’s commitment is to achieve the best possible care and results for his patients by individualizing their treatment plan. View Full Biography »