Understanding reconstructive surgery eligibility is an important first step for families seeking specialized care for a child with a facial difference. At Little Baby Face Foundation (LBFF), we consider four main factors: age, medical necessity, financial need, and whether appropriate treatment is available locally.
Understanding Our Eligibility Requirements
Finding the right reconstructive care isn't always straightforward, especially when treatment is expensive or unavailable close to home.
At Little Baby Face Foundation, we provide no-cost reconstructive care to eligible children and young adults with facial differences. Our application guidelines outline four requirements that help families understand whether our program may be a good fit.
Here's what each one means.
1. Is Your Child 21 Years Old or Younger?
Our program serves children and young adults who are 21 years old or younger.
Families can apply at different stages of a child's life, whether they're seeking care during early childhood or later in their teenage years.
If your child is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must submit the application on their behalf. Applicants who are 18 through 21 may apply themselves.
2. Does Your Child Need Medically Necessary Treatment?
3. Is Treatment Financially Out of Reach?
Our program is designed for families who cannot afford the reconstructive treatment their child needs.
For applicants in the United States, our eligibility guidelines specify Medicaid eligibility or below. International applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Financial circumstances are considered during the application review. If you're unsure whether your family's financial situation qualifies your child for treatment, we encourage you to apply anyway.
When a child is accepted into our program, treatment is provided at no cost to the family. Our volunteer surgeons donate their time and expertise, while donations help cover essential expenses, including:
- Operating room fees
- Anesthesia
- Specialized medical supplies
- Travel and transportation
- Lodging
This support allows families to pursue specialized care without having to cover these costs themselves.
4. Is the Treatment Your Child Needs Available Locally?
Access to appropriate care is our fourth eligibility requirement.
We consider whether the specialized reconstructive treatment a child needs is available in their local community. This is especially important for families living in areas with limited access to surgeons experienced in treating complex facial differences.
Having a hospital or medical provider nearby does not necessarily mean the required treatment is available.
Families should explain any difficulties accessing appropriate local care when completing their application so our team can review their circumstances.
Think Your Child May Qualify? Here's How to Apply
If your family meets these four requirements, the next step is to complete our confidential online application.
Our medical team reviews each submission to determine whether a child may be eligible for care. Meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee acceptance, but applying allows us to evaluate your child's needs and circumstances.
Want to know more about what happens after you submit your application? Read How LBFF Reviews Applications for Complex Facial Birth Conditions for a closer look at our review process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a teenager apply for reconstructive surgery through LBFF?
Yes. We accept applications for children and young adults age 21 or younger. A parent or legal guardian must apply for anyone under 18.
What if I'm unsure whether my child's treatment is medically necessary?
You can provide information about your child's condition and treatment needs in the application. Our medical team will assess whether the requested care meets our eligibility guidelines.
Can families outside the United States apply?
Yes. We accept applications from families around the world, provided they meet our eligibility requirements, including the lack of appropriate treatment locally.
Can I apply if I don’t speak English?
Yes. We provide translators to support families who face language barriers during the application process.
