Children and Cosmetic Surgery

In the majority of cases, children are not good candidates for plastic surgery because they are not mature enough to make such an important decision and they are still growing. However, there are select cases in which cosmetic procedures are recommended for children. Most aesthetic treatments performed on children are designed to correct birth deformities or other features that could cause embarrassment for children and negatively affect their self-esteem.

Cleft Palate

Repair of a cleft lip or cleft palate is one of the most common plastic reconstructive surgeries performed on children. Cleft palate and lip refer to a birth defect that affects the roof of the mouth and upper teeth. It can distort the appearance of the lip and nose, and cause speech and feeding problems. A series of operations are generally needed to correct the cleft palate or lip, but surgeons can help children improve function and achieve a normal appearance after cleft palate and lip repair surgery.

Ear Reshaping

Children that have ears that are misshapen, stick out, or are too large for their face may face ridicule from their peers and feel self-consciousness about their appearance. Children can undergo otoplasty, or cosmetic ear surgery, so surgeons can adjust the shape or size of the ears, or pin them back. Most children undergo otoplasty from the age of four to 14, though the procedure can also be performed on adults. If your child is uncomfortable with the way their ears look, consult a plastic surgeon to learn more about the available cosmetic options.

Gynecomastia Treatment

Gynecomastia is a condition in which male's breasts are enlarged. This condition can start to affect people when they are children, and if left untreated, can continue into adulthood. Plastic surgeons can permanently reduce the size of the breasts during male breast reduction surgery. While this procedure is commonly performed on boys in their teens, it can also be performed on children and adults.

Contact a Plastic Surgeon

If you think your child may be a good candidate for one of these plastic surgery procedures, contact a local surgeon for a consultation.