What Parents Must Know About Children?s Cosmetic Surgery
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010Cosmetic surgery for kids can sound like an unusual idea because we generally consider these surgeries as elective procedures for adults. However, cosmetic surgery can actually improve the growth, development, function and social health of children with certain mild to severe physical problems. If your child has such a condition and you’re considering cosmetic surgery, you probably have many concerns. Here are some answers to some of your toughest questions.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With Child Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery offers help for a variety of childhood conditions. Procedures to correct a cleft palate, birthmarks, a congenital hand or foot deformity, prominent ears and burn or trauma deformities are some of the more common types of plastic surgery for children. Cosmetic surgery can treat many other conditions, particularly congenital abnormalities, as well.
Older children and teens may consider cosmetic surgery for breast reduction, nose contouring or acne scars. Surgeries are generally either reconstructive or cosmetic and vary in cost, risk, complexity and insurance coverage.
Why Should I Consider Plastic Surgery for My Child?
In many cases, cosmetic plastic surgery is necessary for the health and well being of the child. For example, a baby born with a cleft palate may be unable to latch on to a bottle or breast, making it difficult or impossible for the child to get enough calories and nutrition.
A clubfoot can obviously interfere with physical development and walking. If this type of condition is present, your child’s pediatrician will refer you to a pediatric cosmetic surgeon who can outline a treatment plan. Correcting the abnormality can help your child continue his or her path of normal physical development.
For conditions that involve appearance, such as prominent ears or nose, acne scarring or very large breasts, there may not be a pressing need for surgical correction. However, in terms of the child’s social and emotional development, cosmetic surgery is often warranted.
We all know that peer acceptance is vitally important to kids and teens — consider the teasing and bullying that a child with an obvious physical abnormality might endure. Cosmetic surgery can indeed be a valid option to restore such a child’s emotional health and self-esteem.
Children with burns or scars resulting from traumatic injury can also benefit physically and emotionally from cosmetic surgery.
What Are the Risks of Child Plastic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery for children is not a light issue. There are physical, social and emotional risks and complications that families must weigh against the benefits.
Physical complications of children’s plastic surgery may include pain, swelling, bruising, scarring or infection. Adhering to the aftercare instructions and giving the child medication exactly as directed will minimize these risks.
Anesthesia during the surgical procedure carries a certain amount of risk. Existing cardiac or circulatory problems can increase the risk, as can being ill at the time of surgery. Your child’s surgeon and anesthesiologist will give you a protocol to follow before surgery that can significantly reduce these risks.
Younger children may be unable to communicate their fears or physical needs. They need careful monitoring by adult family members to ensure adherence to the surgery aftercare instructions. Parents can ease these difficulties by being informing about the child’s procedure, talking with the child about how and why the surgery is taking place and following all instructions from the surgeon.
Older children and teens have additional risk factors to consider. Future physical growth can be an important issue. Many child cosmetic surgeons recommend against breast or nose surgery until growth is complete in the later teens.
A teen patient must also be aware that treating a physical abnormality will not solve his or her problems. Those affected by body image disorders or depression may be particularly vulnerable. Most child cosmetic surgeons recommend counseling by a mental health professional as part of the treatment plan.
How Do I Select a Children’s Cosmetic Surgeon?
Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is indicative of a highly trained and qualified surgeon. You may also want to get recommendations and referrals from other families with children experiencing the same issue as your child, and speak with the surgeon’s prior patient families. The process is easier if everyone remembers the ultimate goal of improved physical and emotional health for the child’s lifetime.