Yes, we would all balk at the idea of suggesting children should have cosmetic surgery. But then our experience of plastic procedures is probably limited to nose jobs, boob jobs, and liposuction. However, there are some childhood issues where plastic surgery can be beneficial. Childhood surgery can help with everything from birthmarks to burns, and also craniofacial surgery to protruding ears. Sometimes plastic surgeons are there for a reason that goes beyond the cosmetic. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the ways that surgeons can help give children procedures that could be life changing.
Otoplasty
The ages at which you can consider facial plastic surgery will no doubt vary. They can depend on your own beliefs, your self-esteem and what you may feel is heading south. But with children, it can be slightly different. As adults, we all know from experience the effects of bullying, low-self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Everything from port wine stains to cleft lips and very bad eczema to severe protruding ears can cause bullying in young children. In extreme cases, you may be worried about the social effects that such cosmetic issues may have on your child’s development. While protruding ears only affect about 2% of the population you may be worried that when your child reaches their teenage years it may cause psychological distress. If this is the case, otoplasty (pinning back the ears) can be undertaken from the age of five, and is carried out under general anesthesia.
Craniofacial Surgery
Some children can be born with difficulties that involve the bones in their skull, head, and neck. Such issues can sometimes cause problems with the correct growth of the head. Craniofacial surgery is a complex procedure in pediatrics, and can be distressing for parents. But with the input of specialist teams including plastic surgeons, dentists, and neurosurgeons, this type of surgery can help alleviate problems. Such issues may cause even more anguish if left until your child becomes a teenager. Craniofacial surgery can help with all sorts of problems. Such issues include midfacial clefts, Apert syndrome, single suture synostosis and cleft palates/lips.
Burns
We often think of plastic surgery as purely cosmetic. But many doctors work tirelessly to help burns victims with scarring, appearance and rehabilitation. In serious incidents, both cosmetic and psychological treatment will need to be undertaken. If you have a small child, who has received acute burns, plastic surgery performed by a burns specialist can help improve the visual appearance of the skin. Techniques include skin grafts, flap surgery, tissue expansion and microsurgery. Treatment and surgery will be dependent on the severity of the burns. But as technology continues to evolve, there are many techniques in place that can alleviate some of the outward appearance of burns.
Dermatology
Severe eczema, strawberry birthmarks, and vitiligo can all affect children in serious ways. Later in life, they can also affect the social side of growing up and also academic achievements. Advanced laser surgery is an option to consider. Laser surgery can help with port wine stains, birthmarks, infantile hemangiomas, and scars. Specialized clinics can also help with hair disorders, hair growth problems, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. We always want to ensure our children have the best start in life and hope that we instill enough self-confidence to deal with childish bullies. But unfortunately, the psychological effects of bullying can be extremely harmful. With innovative and advanced techniques in surgery now available, sometimes it may be the best option for your child.
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