Sherard A. Tatum, MD, FACS, FAAP, Editor

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery has a storied history as was recently emphasized at the 50th anniversary celebration of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. For over 100 years, the discipline has been nurtured by great surgeons such as Jacques Joseph, Sir Harold Gilles, John Orlando Roe, Gustave Aufricht, Johann Friedrich Dieffenbach, and Robert Weir. Later, there were John Conley, Samuel Foman, Maurice Cottle, Irving Goldman, Richard Webster, Jack Anderson, and Richard Farrior, to name a few. We have made great strides in furthering the field subsequently, and pediatric facial plastic and reconstructive surgery subspecialization is a logical next step to consider as has been done by so many other medical specialties.

This array of pediatric topics speaks volumes about our growth as a specialty. And there were numerous other topics not included because of size constraints. From scar revision and otoplasty to free tissue transfer and synostosis repair, this issue covers most of the broad field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery as applied to children. As you read these articles, take note of the quality of our colleagues’ work. Their dedication to the welfare of children with facial plastic surgery issues is exemplary. I hope you will find these articles as enjoyable and informative as I have.