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About 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.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information, see Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Insurance Information
UC San Diego Health accepts most major health insurance plans, but you should verify that your plan covers this provider and all services and locations. The information in the link below does not apply to affiliate providers, who are not employed by UC San Diego Health.
Health Insurance Plans Accepted

Medical Degree

  • UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA

Residency

  • UC Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA

Fellowship

  • Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA

Gender

  • Female

Date Joined Staff

  • 2022-08-01

Conditions and Treatments

  • Neonatal Mandibular (Jaw) Distraction
  • Robin Sequence
  • Pediatric Plastic Surgery
  • Craniosynostosis
  • Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
  • Craniofacial Surgery
  • Craniofacial Syndromes
  • Cleft Lip and Palate
  • Gender-Affirming Care
  • Breast Surgery
  • Cosmetic Facial Surgery
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Botox
Insurance Information
UC San Diego Health accepts most major health insurance plans, but you should verify that your plan covers this provider and all services and locations. The information in the link below does not apply to affiliate providers, who are not employed by UC San Diego Health.
Health Insurance Plans Accepted