Melissa Kanack, MD

Melissa D. Kanack, MD, is a plastic surgeon specializing in the treatment of craniofacial disorders in children and adults. She treat patients with congenital differences including cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis and other complex craniofacial syndromes. She treats craniofacial trauma including fractures and complex facial soft tissue injury. Dr. Kanack also performs gender-affirming chest and facial surgeries as well as other breast surgeries such as breast reduction and treatment of breast asymmetry.

She especially enjoys the field of craniofacial surgery because procedures in this area make a true difference in the way patients are viewed and how they interact in the world. As a pediatric plastic surgeon, she feels it is a true privilege to care for children from infancy through adolescence and adulthood, and build relationships with patients and their families. Dr. Kanack approaches plastic surgery care as a partnership with her patients, and values education and collaborative decision-making to meet functional and aesthetic goals.

As an assistant professor of surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, she is involved in the training and education of medical students, residents and fellows in the Division of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Kanack completed fellowship training in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery at Boston Children's Hospital. She completed her residency in integrated plastic surgery at UC Irvine School of Medicine and earned her medical degree from UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Dr. Kanack is a member of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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For more information, see Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.