Plastic Surgery: When You Need A Pediatric Plastic Surgeon
When we think of cosmetic surgery, we don't often think of the pediatric plastic surgeon. We usually think of doctors who perform procedures for adults such as face lifts, breast augmentations, liposuction and rhinoplasty.
The fact is, though, that doctors who perform cosmetic procedures on children are in a highly specialized and exacting field of medicine. These are the doctors who work to surgically correct deformities in children caused by birth defects, illness or accidents.
Reasons for pediatric plastic surgery
Children are born every day with birth defects. Some of these defects are not noticeable on the outside, but are potentially life-threatening. These defects are for other doctors and specialists to work to correct. When a birth defect causes a physical abnormality that is obvious on the outside, then the pediatric plastic surgeon steps in.
It isn't all about appearance, either. Many physical abnormalities, though not necessarily life threatening, can interfere with leading a normal life. Illness or accidents that cause physical damage to a child can often be corrected or improved with procedure.
Choosing a surgeon
If you are facing cosmetic surgery for your child in the near future, you of course want to choose the surgeon who will do the best job. It's not enough to simply choose any specialist; those who work with pediatric patients have special considerations.
Children are still growing, and a doctor needs to be well-educated and experienced in dealing with younger patients and their particular surgical needs. Talk to your regular pediatrician and ask for recommendations, and always be sure to check credentials.
Caring after procedure
Your pediatric plastic surgeon will have specific instructions for you for after your child's surgery. These instructions will be tailored to such things as the age of your child. It's important that you adhere to the post-surgery instructions as closely as possible, and call for advice if anything does not seem right. Don't be afraid to be "that kind of parent"; this is your child, and it's better to be overly safe than sorry.
It's important to choose the right pediatric plastic surgeon and develop an open and trusting relationship with him or her. Often, depending on the severity of the defect being corrected, more than one surgery might be needed. It's also important for you and your child that you educate yourself on any procedures that are going to be done, so you can help him as much as possible.
The fact is, though, that doctors who perform cosmetic procedures on children are in a highly specialized and exacting field of medicine. These are the doctors who work to surgically correct deformities in children caused by birth defects, illness or accidents.
Reasons for pediatric plastic surgery
Children are born every day with birth defects. Some of these defects are not noticeable on the outside, but are potentially life-threatening. These defects are for other doctors and specialists to work to correct. When a birth defect causes a physical abnormality that is obvious on the outside, then the pediatric plastic surgeon steps in.
It isn't all about appearance, either. Many physical abnormalities, though not necessarily life threatening, can interfere with leading a normal life. Illness or accidents that cause physical damage to a child can often be corrected or improved with procedure.
Choosing a surgeon
If you are facing cosmetic surgery for your child in the near future, you of course want to choose the surgeon who will do the best job. It's not enough to simply choose any specialist; those who work with pediatric patients have special considerations.
Children are still growing, and a doctor needs to be well-educated and experienced in dealing with younger patients and their particular surgical needs. Talk to your regular pediatrician and ask for recommendations, and always be sure to check credentials.
Caring after procedure
Your pediatric plastic surgeon will have specific instructions for you for after your child's surgery. These instructions will be tailored to such things as the age of your child. It's important that you adhere to the post-surgery instructions as closely as possible, and call for advice if anything does not seem right. Don't be afraid to be "that kind of parent"; this is your child, and it's better to be overly safe than sorry.
It's important to choose the right pediatric plastic surgeon and develop an open and trusting relationship with him or her. Often, depending on the severity of the defect being corrected, more than one surgery might be needed. It's also important for you and your child that you educate yourself on any procedures that are going to be done, so you can help him as much as possible.
