Pediatric plastic surgery has developed into a specialty of its own over the past 20 years. Great strides have been made in the treatment of numerous congenital and traumatic injuries because of an intensified effort by plastic surgeons toward developing better functional and aesthetic results. Advances in prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, and the application of lasers all have had a significant impact on the development of pediatric plastic surgery into a very specific area of expertise. The surgeons at Magee-Rosenblum Plastic Surgery focus their attention on children. The scope of our expertise is very broad, and problems that our surgeons routinely treat include:
| We treat Craniofacial Abnormalities including. . . | ||
| Craniosynostosis | Positional Plagiocephaly | Crouzon's Syndrome |
| Hypertelorism | Treacher-Collins Syndrome | Hemifacial Microsomia |
| Apert Syndrome | ||
Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery:
Cleft surgery has changed drastically over the past 10 years with regard to the timing of surgery, techniques used and expected outcomes. Children are being operated on much earlier in life and have an excellent opportunity to have a definitive correction of their abnormality with less operations. Further, older children and adults can readily undergo plastic surgery revisions to improve otherwise less than desirable results.
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Craniofacial Surgery:
Specialized surgery to correct abnormalities of the face and skull, including: Craniosynostosis, Apert syndrome, Crouzon's syndrome, Treacher-Collins syndrome, hemifacial microsomia, dermoid cysts and encephaloceles. Some children develop abnormal skull shapes which do not require surgery, but need plastic surgical consultation. Conservative treatment with physical therapy and/or cranial molding helmets is often all that is necessary to correct their skull abnormalities.
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Hemangiomas and Vascular Birthmarks:
All vascular birthmarks require an accurate diagnosis and an evaluation by a physician experienced in their treatment as soon as possible. The common adage that all hemangiomas will eventually go away is simply incorrect. Early plastic surgical intervention is readily improving the lives of these children and their families.
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Nevi and Pigmented Birthmarks:
Pigmented birthmarks are very common and their treatment has recently changed. Many congenital nevi have an increased risk for degeneration into skin cancer during childhood. Most nevi can be easily removed with acceptable appearing scars.
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Facial Trauma -- Lacerations, Dog Bites and Facial Fractures:
Immediate plastic surgical treatment of facial injuries and dog bites greatly improves outcomes. Comprehensive treatment of such problems is best provided by a plastic surgeon dedicated to the care of children.
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Breast Deformities and Breast Surgery: Common breast disorders include:
Enlarged breasts, underdeveloped breasts, and asymmetrical breasts. Adolescent girls and boys can be particularly troubled by such abnormalities. Plastic surgical treatment can typically correct all congenital or traumatic breast deformities and greatly improve a child's self-esteem and confidence.
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Scars and Keloids:
Plastic surgical consultation for unsightly or worrisome scars is always helpful. Many treatment options exist, both surgical and non-surgical in nature, and the appropriate selection of treatment depends on the exact nature of the scar and the experience of the plastic surgeon. Most every scar can be significantly improved with today's plastic surgical techniques.
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Burn Injuries -- Acute Care and Reconstructive Surgery:
Primary burns of the head, face, breasts, and hands, as well as unfavorable secondary burn scars of any location on a child should be under the care of a plastic surgeon.
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Jaw Surgery and Chin Advancement:
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) involves surgical correction of jaw abnormalities such as Pierre Robin sequence, hemifacial microsomia, malocclusion and jaw overgrowth. Such surgery is routinely coordinated with orthodontic treatment and can be accomplished even during the toddler years.
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Nasal Fractures and Rhinoplasty:
Nasal injuries are extremely common and typically cause children to develop obvious nasal deformities and subtle breathing problems. Early consultation with a plastic surgeon can minimize these troublesome complications.
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Otoplasty and Ear Deformities:
A wide range of congenital ear abnormalities occur. Early detection and treatment during infancy can often preclude the need for corrective surgery. When necessary, surgical correction is successful and affordable.
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Laser Surgery and Laser Scar Treatment:
Recent advances in laser technology allow plastic surgeons to treat many vascular birthmarks including hemangiomas and port wine stains with outpatient laser surgery. Pulse dye lasers and CO2 lasers can also be utilized to improve hypertrophic scars and keloids.
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