Congenital anomalies can be defined as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life. Also called birth defects, congenital disorders, or congenital malformations, these conditions develop before birth and may be identified before or at birth, or later in life.

Some congenital anomalies can be treated with surgical and non-surgical options, such as cleft lip and palate, syndactyly, clubfoot, and hernias. Others, including heart defects, neural tube defects, and down syndrome, can cause lifelong impacts.

Individuals with a congenital anomaly often require reconstructive surgery and support services. The reconstructive procedures performed by plastic surgeons focus on improving both appearance and the function. The obvious cosmetic improvement that we common man see is often directly linked to an improvement in function and quality of life.