Leading Specialist in Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
Known for his compassionate care, surgical expertise, and long-term commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by complex cleft and craniofacial conditions, Dr. Rick Kapitan is a nationally recognized cleft and craniofacial surgeon based in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 20 years of experience in cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial surgery, Dr. Kapitan is the Founder and Director of Carolinas Center for Cleft & Craniofacial Surgery at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery.
“As cleft care providers, it’s important for us all to remember that we treat patients, not conditions.” says Dr. Kapitan. “In that sense, we see ourselves first and foremost as resources for our families, and for our community. Our role is to demystify the challenges facing our patients and their families, and to help them build the road map for the journey ahead.”
Read on to learn how Dr. Kapitan and the center’s team of cleft specialists transform the lives of the patients they have the privilege to care for!
Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Cleft Lip & Craniofacial Care?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Kapitan are uniquely qualified to treat cleft and craniofacial conditions. Their advanced training spans both medical and dental specialties, which is crucial when addressing both the functional and aesthetic challenges of cleft lip and palate.
Benefits of working with a specialized oral surgeon include:
- Expertise in both soft tissue and skeletal reconstruction
- Continuity of care throughout all stages of treatment
- Integrated planning with orthodontists, speech therapists, and pediatricians
Full Scope Cleft & Craniofacial Care
Dr. Kapitan and the team of specialists at the center support patients from infancy through young adulthood with a full scope of cleft and craniofacial care. This includes:
- Primary cleft lip and palate repair
- Bone graft reconstruction of the upper jaw
- Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery
- Nasal reconstruction / rhinoplasty
He works closely with families to create phased, age-appropriate treatment plans. Every surgical decision is made with the child’s long-term health, function, and self-esteem in mind.
“The most rewarding moment is seeing a parent relax, realizing their child is going to be okay,” says Dr. Kapitan. “These kids grow up to be some of the strongest, most empathetic people I know.”
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Dr. Kapitan believes in treating more than just the physical condition. He invests time building lasting relationships with patients and families, providing emotional support as they navigate the journey of care. He ensures each child has time to simply be a kid, even between surgeries, recognizing the importance of emotional recovery.
Safety, Skill & Surgical Excellence
With more than two decades of cleft surgery experience, Dr. Kapitan emphasizes patient safety, predictable outcomes, and age-appropriate interventions. Early surgeries are often low-risk tissue adjustments, while later procedures like jaw realignment and rhinoplasty require advanced planning and precise technique.
Dr. Kapitan monitors recovery carefully to reduce discomfort, downtime, and long-term complications. “No matter the procedure, I’m always thinking about how to improve the patient’s experience and outcome,” says Dr. Kapitan.
Giving Back: The Face to Face Foundation
In 2017, Dr. Kapitan founded the Face to Face Foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance for cleft and craniofacial care not covered by insurance. Families in the greater Charlotte area can apply for grants to cover surgical and therapy costs. The foundation selects one child each quarter to receive full coverage. The impact of this foundation is unmatched on the lives of those impacted by cleft lip in Charlotte and beyond.
Global Outreach & Education
Beyond local impact, Dr. Kapitan is involved in global outreach. Through organizations like Samaritans Purse, Free to Smile Foundation, and Cure International, he volunteers time and surgical expertise around the world, providing cleft surgeries to underserved populations. Dr. Kapitan also mentors and trains local providers in developing countries to ensure sustainable access to care.
He is a proud member of:
- American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA)
- American College of Surgeons (ACS)
- American Association of Pediatrics (AAP)
Making a Difference, One Child at a Time
Dr. Rick Kapitan stands out not only for his surgical precision but for his unwavering compassion and dedication to each child’s journey. His work at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, combined with his nonprofit and global mission work, highlights a lifelong commitment to healing both the body and spirit.
If your child needs cleft or craniofacial care in the Charlotte, NC area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kapitan and take the first step toward compassionate, specialized treatment.