Dr. Rick Kapitan: Expert in Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery

Dr. Rick Kapitan is a distinguished oral and maxillofacial surgeon whose impact extends far beyond the operating room. With over two decades of experience specializing in cleft and craniofacial surgeries, Dr. Kapitan has dedicated his career to providing exceptional care for children and families facing the challenges of cleft and craniofacial conditions. His work at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery in Charlotte has earned him a reputation as a compassionate and skilled surgeon, known for his commitment to his patients' well-being and holistic care approach. 

Dr. Kapitan's journey into cleft and craniofacial surgery began over 20 years ago when he established his practice in Charlotte. Since then, he has been on a mission to change lives, guiding his patients through the physical and emotional challenges that can come with their conditions. From infants undergoing their first cleft surgeries to teenagers and young adults seeking jaw surgeries, Dr. Kapitan is there every step of the way, providing personalized treatment and plans tailored to each individual's unique needs. The most rewarding aspect to Dr. Kapitan has a lot to do with the sense of peace that washes over the parents, as they realize everything is going to be okay when they are at their weakest point. “We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know it’s going to be bright and it’s going to be beautiful for their child...I’ve come to realize after being around this for 20 years that these children just grow up to be better people... I think the world is so much of a better place because of them.” 

“We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know it’s going to be bright and it’s going to be beautiful for their child...I’ve come to realize after being around this for 20 years that these children just grow up to be better people... I think the world is so much of a better place because of them.” 

- Dr. Kapitan

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly qualified to provide comprehensive care for cleft and craniofacial patients due to their specialized background in surgical disciplines that specifically focus on the head and neck region. Their training encompasses a wide range of medical, surgical, and dental expertise, which is crucial in addressing the intricate dental issues often associated with cleft lip and palate conditions as well as craniofacial anomalies. Having a surgeon like Dr. Kapitan with a deep understanding of these complex conditions and dedicated experience in cleft and craniofacial treatments offers numerous advantages for patients. One notable benefit is the ability to have the same surgeon throughout all stages of treatment, thereby ensuring continuity of care and a more seamless approach to the patient's surgical needs. This eliminates the potential complexities and risks associated with multiple surgeon handoffs, allowing for consistent, personalized care tailored to the individual's unique needs. Additionally, by having a single surgeon oversee all surgical procedures, there is better coordination and communication among the various medical professionals involved in the patient's care, leading to a more cohesive treatment plan and improved outcomes. In essence, having an oral surgeon like Dr. Kapitan, who specializes in cleft and craniofacial conditions not only streamlines the surgical process but also enhances the overall patient experience and quality of care. 

One of the most inspiring aspects of Dr. Kapitan's work is his dedication to making a difference in the lives of his patients. He understands the impact that cleft and craniofacial conditions can have on a child’s self-esteem and emotional well-being, as well as being emotionally taxing on the family, and he is committed to ensuring that his patients receive the care and support they need to thrive. Beyond the surgical aspects of his practice, Dr. Kapitan takes the time to build strong relationships with his patients and their families, providing them with the guidance and support they need to navigate their journey toward healing and self-acceptance. When asked how he changes his patient’s lives Dr. Kapitan answers thoughtfully, “How the patients carry themselves before and then carry themselves after is a reminder that when we are treating these patients we’re treating the whole patient, we’re not just treating the jaw or the lip, or a scar...So I think to bring them along towards a path where they feel progressively better and better and more confident about how they go out into the world is an amazing thing to be a part of.”  
 
Dr. Kapitan's dedication to his patients continues in various aspects of care. He understands the impact that cleft and craniofacial conditions can have on a child's self-esteem and emotional well-being. That is why he takes the time to build strong relationships with his patients and their families, providing them with the support and guidance they need to navigate their journey toward healing and self-acceptance.  

...So I think to bring them along towards a path where they feel progressively better and better and more confident about how they go out into the world is an amazing thing to be a part of.”  

- Dr. Kapitan

Renowned for his expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Kapitan exemplifies a steadfast commitment to patient safety and meticulous care. With a keen awareness of potential risks associated with each surgical procedure, Dr. Kapitan tailors his approach to cater to the specific needs of his young patients. Early interventions typically involve superficial tissue adjustments, characterized by minimal risks like infection and the potential for future revisions, all while prioritizing safe anesthesia protocols. In an evolving landscape that sees surgeries transition to more intricate procedures such as rhinoplasty and jaw realignment as patients mature, Dr. Kapitan's practice stands as a beacon of excellence with a distinguished legacy of over three decades in jaw surgery. His unwavering dedication to perfecting surgical techniques and upholding the highest standards of patient care underscores his commitment to achieving optimal outcomes for every individual under his care. No matter how small or varying, through all phases of procedures, Dr. Kapitan understands the complications are there, and he is mindful and prepared to care for the surgical patient. He says, “I’m just trying to perfect it and get better and better.” 

The recoveries from Dr. Kapitan's surgeries are carefully monitored, with a focus on minimizing pain and discomfort for the patients. Whether it's a simple tissue rearrangement surgery or a more complex jaw surgery, Dr. Kapitan ensures that his patients have a smooth recovery process, with minimal downtime and discomfort. His dedication to his patients' well-being is evident in every aspect of his practice, from the initial consultation to post-operative care. He also tries to use opportunities where the treatments can be tailored to fit the patient as best they can, which sometimes include taking a break to be kids, not worrying about recovering from surgery, as he is mindful of the fatigue that can set in through procedures. 

In addition to his work at the Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Kapitan is actively involved in several organizations and foundations that support families in need of cleft care. Dr. Kapitan founded the Face to Face Foundation, as he wanted to do more for families in the community. This organization helps families who struggle to afford the necessary care for their children with cleft and craniofacial conditions in the Charlotte region. They hold fundraising events multiple times a year, and the appointed board within the foundation blindly chooses a family every quarter, to cover the costs of treatments and therapies that are not covered by insurance, ensuring that every child has access to the care they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. To qualify, families do not need to be a patient of Dr. Kapitan, they only need to live within the Charlotte area, with a treatment estimate their insurance does not cover, and have a child affected by cleft and cranial facial conditions. 

 Dr. Kapitan is also actively involved in various organizations such as the ACPA, the American College of Surgeons, and the Freedom To Smile organization. These organizations provide Dr. Kapitan with a platform to advocate for changes in healthcare legislation that would benefit families in need of cleft surgeries. He also volunteers and is part of a group of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, dentists, and dental assistants who give their time and expertise overseas, providing cleft and craniofacial surgeries to those who do not have access to proper care, while also educating and training as many local providers as they can. He also is a part of a Christian hospital organization, Cure International, with 8 locations in Africa and one in the Philippines, specializing in neurosurgical care, orthopedics, and cleft and craniofacial. He feels so fortunate to blend his faith and work to help those in need overseas who do not have the means to have these surgeries on their own. He focuses on patient care but also healing their souls as well. 

Dr. Rick Kapitan is highly regarded not only for his exceptional surgical skills as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon but also for his profound dedication and sensitivity toward children with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Dr. Kapitan's extensive experience and expertise in the field, coupled with his genuine compassion towards his patients, set him apart as a healthcare professional of exceptional caliber. His commitment to providing personalized care is exemplified through his involvement with organizations like the Face to Face Foundation, where he tirelessly advocates for those in need and supports families facing challenging circumstances. Dr. Kapitan's professionalism and dedication are evident not only in his technically precise surgical techniques but also in his ability to approach each case with a deep sense of empathy and understanding. His holistic approach to patient care, encompassing both the physical and emotional aspects of treatment, underscores his commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services. Dr. Kapitan's ability to blend technical mastery with heartfelt care serves as a shining example of the transformative impact that a dedicated and compassionate healthcare provider can have on the lives of others. Through his extraordinary professional background, unwavering emotional understanding, and steadfast commitment to excellence, Dr. Kapitan continues to inspire hope, instill confidence, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.