Operation Smile

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Operation Smile We are a global nonprofit, delivering cleft care and working to ensure that every child has access to safe and timely essential surgery.
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At Operation Smile, we believe safe, essential surgery is a human right. For over 40 years, we have transformed lives and strengthened health systems around the world. Our work began when Dr. Bill Magee, a plastic surgeon, and Kathy Magee, a nurse and social worker, traveled to the Philippines on a surgical program to provide cleft surgeries for children, inspiring them to create Operation Smile. Today, we operate in 37 countries, partnering with local volunteers, medical leaders, ministries of health, universities and organizations to bring essential surgical and comprehensive care closer to patients’ homes, train and support local professionals, and build lasting care for the communities we serve.

🧬 New research is helping deepen our understanding of cleft conditions.For more than 16 years, Operation Smile's Interna...
10/12/2026

🧬 New research is helping deepen our understanding of cleft conditions.

For more than 16 years, Operation Smile's International Family Study has brought together families, researchers and health care professionals from around the world to explore one important question: Why do cleft conditions occur?

Because the study includes families from diverse ancestral backgrounds and communities that have historically been underrepresented in genetic research, it helps researchers gain insights that may not be possible through more limited studies alone.

Recent findings are providing important new clues and contributing to a growing understanding of the many factors associated with cleft conditions. These discoveries help advance research and create new opportunities to learn more about how cleft develops.

This work is connected to Operation Smile’s broader effort to expand access to comprehensive cleft care and strengthen local health systems. Research alone cannot close gaps in access to care, but it can inform and improve support for patients, their families and health care teams around the world.

📖 Read more about the latest findings: https://www.operationsmile.org/story/why-research-matters-new-clues-about-cleft-development/

Rosmary cried tears of joy when she saw her son following surgery. Alexander had his cleft lip treated by Operation Smil...
10/11/2026

Rosmary cried tears of joy when she saw her son following surgery.

Alexander had his cleft lip treated by Operation Smile Bolivia. Later, he would receive surgery to also treat his cleft palate. Rosemary was relieved because she knew her son’s life was changed forever.

To help someone like Alexander receive both surgery and year-round care, visit www.operationsmile.org/SundaySmiles.

World Health Day reminds us that health is about more than medical treatment. It's about helping children and families f...
10/09/2026

World Health Day reminds us that health is about more than medical treatment. It's about helping children and families feel safe, heard and supported throughout their care journey. 💙

For children born with cleft conditions, the challenges can extend beyond physical health. Research shows that anxiety and depression are significantly more common among adults living with cleft lip and cleft palate, and many individuals report concerns about self-worth and fear of negative reactions to their appearance.

That's why we take a holistic approach to care.

Through psychosocial support programs, we help equip providers within patients' communities with the skills and resources needed to deliver high-quality emotional and mental health support close to home. We also work to create emotionally safe, family-centered healthcare experiences by:

✔ Listening to children and caregivers
✔ Providing clear, age-appropriate information
✔ Encouraging questions and emotional expression
✔ Helping children prepare for medical procedures
✔ Empowering caregivers with knowledge and support
✔ Using play and coping strategies to reduce fear and anxiety

When children and families feel respected, informed and supported, they can navigate healthcare experiences with greater trust, confidence and resilience.

This World Health Day, we're reaffirming our commitment to care for the whole child because every smile deserves support that goes beyond surgery.

When Tahseen met her daughter, Dilfa, for the first time, she was overwhelmed with shock and uncertainty.Born with a cle...
10/08/2026

When Tahseen met her daughter, Dilfa, for the first time, she was overwhelmed with shock and uncertainty.

Born with a cleft lip and palate, Dilfa was later diagnosed with a heart condition that made surgery too risky in her early months. But Tahseen never gave up hope that her daughter's condition would be treated.

At 6 months old, Dilfa arrived at an Operation Smile surgical program in India, where she was scheduled for cleft lip surgery. Months later, she returned for cleft palate surgery, helping her take the next steps on her cleft care journey.

Today, Dilfa's family celebrates the progress she has made and remains grateful for the care she received along the way.

Every child deserves access to safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care. 💙

🔗Learn how you can help more children like Dilfa and their parents receive support and treatment for cleft conditions by visiting: www.operationsmile.org

10/07/2026

Siham, Davy, and Jia Ji all come from very different places. But all three have parents who refused to give up on getting their children the cleft care they needed, even when their families felt alone in their struggle.

Thanks to their families' determination and the support of Operation Smile, Siham, Davy, and Jia Ji received the comprehensive cleft care they needed.

As Siham shared, "My life changed after the surgery."

Learn how you can help more children receive the care they need by visiting:

operationsmile.org/SwipeforSmiles



Video description: A slideshow of Operation Smile patients displaying before-and-after photographs of themselves alongside quotes about their experiences receiving cleft care.

For Antoine, becoming a father came with both joy and difficult questions. When his daughter Ariana was born with a li...
10/04/2026

For Antoine, becoming a father came with both joy and difficult questions. When his daughter Ariana was born with a lip, he felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to find the care she needed.

Through a connection at work, Antoine learned about Operation Smile Kenya, offering a path forward for her treatment. After receiving care, Ariana is smiling, eating, and growing stronger each day, bringing joy to her family.

Through Operation 100, we are bringing care closer to families, reducing the distance and uncertainty many face. With the support of medical volunteers, donors, and partners, more children like Ariana can access safe, high-quality care.

Learn how you can help more children like Ariana by visiting operationsmile.org/SundaySmiles.

What makes you smile? Share your story and celebrate World Smile Day with us! A smile can begin with family, friendship,...
10/02/2026

What makes you smile? Share your story and celebrate World Smile Day with us!

A smile can begin with family, friendship, confidence, care or a simple act of kindness. This , we’re celebrating the people, moments and connections that remind us why smiles matter.

At Operation Smile, we bring care closer to home by working with communities, supporting local health workers and expanding access to safe surgery and comprehensive care.

On , we’re inviting patients, volunteers, partners, staff and supporters around the world to share what makes them smile. Every story, reflection and drawing celebrates the connections that bring us joy and the collective effort that makes possible.

10/02/2026

This World Smile Day, Global Smile Ambassador Pritika Swarup shares Mahoma’s journey to receive cleft care in Madagascar.

Access to safe surgery is only one part of the journey.

Through comprehensive care and support for patients and families, Operation Smile is helping bring healthier futures and more smiles within reach.

Share what makes you smile today, do one act of kindness for someone else and invite someone to pass it on.

Support Operation Smile at http://www.operationsmile.org/pritikaswarup?utm_campaign=organic-social&utm_content=1790957206&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook



Video by Toky Andriamisaina .andriamisaina

10/02/2026

Our volunteers are part of a global community helping bring more smiles within reach.

This World Smile Day, we're spotlighting the people whose dedication helps expand access to care, strengthen local health systems and create lasting impact for patients and families around the world.

Watch as volunteers share what makes them smile. 💙

What makes you smile?



Video description: A video montage featuring Operation Smile volunteers from around the world sharing what makes them smile. The reel includes individual responses highlighting meaningful relationships, experiences, activities and moments.

Address

3641 Faculty Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA
23453

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+17573217645

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