A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs once in every 750-1000 live births, wherein the roof of the mouth, or palate, doesn’t develop fully, leaving an opening, or cleft, that may extend all the way to the nasal cavity.  While there have been genetic links and environmental factors associated with cleft palates, the specific cause remains unclear.  Such environmental factors include: smoking, drug use and illness by the mother while she is pregnant.

This craniofacial defect impairs speech, jaw alignment, and hearing. The complications aren’t minor. Because a cleft palate can lead to frequent ear infections, a total loss of hearing is a real possibility. Obviously, the location of the cleft affects speech, and many children struggle to speak normally.  These secondary impairments underscore the importance of early intervention.

Even more troubling than these physical obstacles is the heartbreaking fact that the child may face abuse from classmates and even adults or suffer from low self-esteem and depression as they compare themselves with others. The condition affects appearance in varying degrees, but the worst cases demonstrate just how much this birth defect can interfere with a child’s well-being.

Luckily many of the challenges a child with a cleft palate faces can be nearly eliminated through early assessment and age-appropriate surgery.  Doctors recommend surgery for infants ages 12 to 18 months because the tissues affected are in an optimal state and because speech development is not in full-swing yet.

Cosmetic surgery for a child’s cleft palate will not only free him or her of the social stigma associated with the defect, but also surgery will minimize (and possibly eliminate) the hearing, speech, and dental problems that accompany a cleft palate. A good doctor will offer a thorough consultation, address parents’ concerns, and connect with the child so that the experience will be emotionally comfortable for the child and his or her family.
Children are placed under anesthesia during the procedure. The goal of the surgery is to close the open section of the lip by reworking the tissue so that it closes the cleft. The result is closure of the cleft and a lip that looks more natural and functions better. The surgery’s benefits continue to accumulate afterward, with gradual improvement, but sometimes secondary surgeries can accelerate improvements more quickly.

Excellent post-operative care is essential to making sure the cosmetic procedure is successful. Sun protection should be used, pain medication will decrease discomforts, and though shocking at first, a child may have to be restrained from touching the surgical area while it heals. Keeping in mind the long-term benefits to the child, these steps are the loving measures parents and caregivers will need to take to achieve faster recovery.

Prices for the procedure vary. Health insurance will almost always pay for this operation. Without health insurance, people face costs from separate sources. There are doctor’s fees, hospital fees, anesthesia fees, etc. Different doctors will charge different prices so there is no one price for the surgery. The minimum cost of the surgery is usually $5000. Parents who can’t afford the surgery should search for organizations that provide assistance as soon as they are aware their child has a cleft palate.

You can help a child live a normal life by donating to programs like The Smile Train.

Pediatric corrective surgery is a great option for parents whose children are afflicted with deformities caused by injuries, diseases or birth defects, but there are a number of things to know before surgery begins.

Many congenital disorders are not hereditary or genetic, and it seems most deformities occur in families who have no previous history of these disorders. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from a dysmorphologist: someone who specializes in congenital malformations, particularly those affecting the anatomy.

When looking for a skilled pediatric plastic surgeon, one should try to find a surgeon who has the following training, expertise, certificates and is able to provide these services:

• A Certificate from the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Be a surgeon who treats children from birth to young adulthood
• At least 50% of his or her time is dedicated to the pediatric care of children
• The core of his or her medical practice is providing pediatric care
• Attended medical school for at least four years
• Three years of general surgery residency training or has completed a training program in general surgery/oral surgery residency, orthopedic surgery, urology, neurosurgery, and/or otolaryngology
• Three years practice and training in the field of plastic surgery
• Experience and training in pediatric plastic surgery

Cosmetic surgery on a child who is deformed or injured will require a specialized surgeon.  This type of surgery can make a great and positive difference in the life of a parent as well as the child.

Locating a Pediatric Plastic Surgeon?

Most of them practice in medical centers and hospitals for children. The child’s pediatrician may be able to provide a couple of recommendations, and it is always beneficial for parents to inquire with other parents through support groups and social networking sites.

Parents should not feel awkward about requesting the doctor’s credentials and references.  Doctors are required to make this information available.  Besides, ensuring doctors are qualified is simple, good common sense.

Additionally, parents are advocates for their children.  Parents need to find a surgeon they trust and with whom they can communicate.  Eliminating disparity and confusion is imperative for creating a positive experience for parents and children alike.

Children cannot always express what is bothering them and are not always capable of answering medical questions. Sometimes they simply lack the vocabulary, but often they are simply too young.  An experienced pediatric plastic surgeon can have reasonable success with communicating with young patients and will likely earn their trust and affection, making the experience far less traumatic.

Here are a few types of ailments a pediatric plastic surgeon can treat with pediatric corrective surgery:

1. Face and Skull Birth Defects such as a cleft lip, cleft palate, and skull deformity
2. Ear Birth Defects such as missing ear and protruding ear
3. Chest and Limb Birth Defects such as webbed fingers and misshapen breasts
4. Injuries on face, head, legs, arms and hands
5. Scars and birthmarks
6. Various types of burns
7. Cosmetic surgery performed on a child for self-image improvement

By taking the time to research doctors and the specific needs of their children, parents and patients can have a much brighter future with pediatric corrective surgery.

Reconstructive surgery patients rebuild their looks and confidence after suffering a devastating accident.

Victims who have suffered from an accident that had disfiguring effects often turn to reconstructive surgery in attempt to regain self-image. In the event of an accident, the person has already suffered great trauma, and the process of attempting to restructure the deformed area can be a difficult process to undergo. The emotional and mental damage, although unseen, can be just as significant as the visible damage.

Also, unlike cosmetic surgery, the choices surrounding surgery, such as who, when, and how a procedure will be performed, do not always exist. Frequently the surgery is done in an emergency situation with little time to make decisions and with little or no patient consent.

Because of the complexity of these procedures, it may be helpful to contact patients who have undergone similar procedures to get advice and support.  Joining web-based support groups such as www.inspire.com is a great start. Not only will such support help the patient cope with the emotional trauma of the accident, but there may be helpful advice regarding surgeons who specialize in their particular surgical needs.

After the wounds have healed prior to reconstructive surgery the patient may be left with obstacles to overcome such as not being able to walk, move certain limbs, or simply not being able to perform daily functions without help. These situations are best addressed under the care of a physical therapist. In physical therapy the patient will have an individualized plan to help them recover to the best of their ability. The therapist will design a plan special tailored to the specific needs of the patient, in some cases the patient may need to relearn to use a body part, or lean how to use an artificial part.

The bodily changes a patient can undergo when dealing with reconstructive can lead to depression. Often times after surgery a patient may experience an onset of postoperative depression or the “blues”. Once the reality of the situation sets in a patient may feel low self-esteem or even angry that they were a victim of these circumstances. In any case, a patient suffering emotionally or socially after reconstructive surgery may benefit from counseling.

The outcome of any reconstructive surgery is never predictable. The recovery time is based upon the difficulty of the surgery and any complications that may occur prior to the surgery. The patient’s anatomy and ability to heal are also factors that will affect recovery. Complications like excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection, bruising, or wounds that are difficult to heal are all issues a patient may face. Although these issue are usually minor, if not treated properly they could become serious.

Hooded eyes refers to a condition of the eyelids in which extra skin has developed in the upper eyelids. This extra skin can droop so much over the eyes that the natural crease in the eyelid cannot be seen. Hooded eyes can be corrected with a procedure called blepharoplasty. The reason for having this procedure is different for everyone, but for someone who has hooded eyes, there are really only two reasons for choosing blepharoplasty: cosmetic or functional.

Cosmetic Reasons for Blepharoplasty
The eyes play an important part in the appearance and are probably the first feature in the face to show signs of aging, often in the form of hooded eyelids. Typically, most people who have blepharoplasty to correct their hooded eyelids, do so to improve their appearance. Regaining some or their youthful appearance can go a long way towards restoring self-confidence. Women with hooded eyes often complain that they don’t have enough exposed eyelid on which to apply makeup. Hooded eyelids can give a face a very severe appearance that makes someone look tired, angry, or sad.

Functional Reasons for Blepharoplasty
Some people can have such severe hooding in their eyelids that their peripheral vision is obstructed. It may even be difficult for them to use the muscles in the foreheads to lift the eyelids enough to allow them to see clearly. In cases like this when the surgery is done for medical reasons and not to improve the patient’s appearance, medical insurance may cover the procedure.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure, Recovery, and Cost
Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty removes the extra fat, skin, and even atrophied muscle tissue from the eyelids. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis by a plastic surgeon using local anesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision along the eyelid’s natural crease and then the excess skin, fat, and muscle is removed. The surgeon will then close the incision either with tiny stitches that are virtually invisible or with skin adhesives or surgical tape.

Blepharoplasty to correct hooding of the upper eyelids should only take about an hour. When the surgery is complete, an ointment is applied to keep the eyelids lubricated. Immediately after the surgery, it is possible that the patient may have some tearing, double vision, and sensitivity to light, but this should go away shortly. There will be some redness and puffiness around the incisions for a few days, and the eyelids may feel numb from the anesthetic. In addition, the eyes will be black and blue and swollen for about a week. This should be treated with ice or cold compresses.

There is little pain involved with the procedure, and if the incision was closed with stitches, they will be removed in 3 to 4 days. The surgery scars could last as long as six months before they fade completely. The patient should be sure to protect the area around the eyes from sun until the scars are gone.

The cost of blepharoplasty to correct hooded eyes can run anywhere from $1800 to $2500, depending on the surgeon. This price does not include extra hospital costs and the pre-operative blood tests that are required.

A facelift can be affordable when all variables are considered.  Before assuming this procedure is strictly for the affluent, research the facts and consider the many other financial implications of not having one.

A facelift is a popular cosmetic surgery among middle-aged to senior adults to reverse the look of aging. The face is the most apparent part of the body that shows a persons age because of wrinkles. After topical lotions and creams fail to give a person a more youthful look, surgery becomes the a viable option.

Youthfulness is highly esteemed. Having a youthful appearance is not only desirable, it can be expected in certain career fields.  Many professionals in sales, management, and executive positions feel more confident if they can maintain a youthful appearance. Facelifts and other anti-aging techniques help them maintain their competitive edges against their younger colleagues.

Middle-aged and senior adults may be divorced or widowed and seek to look their best to the opposite sex. They may be physically fit and have their hair and nails done by experts, but if their faces show signs of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and sagging, they may have a harder time joining the dating scene.

Overall a facelift can increase self-esteem. It can make the patient look better and feel better.

Procedure Costs

Costs vary widely depending on the surgeon, the area where the surgery is performed, travel expenses, and how extensive the procedure will be. The price range is $6,000 to $25,000. The surgeon’s fee is only $5,000 – $6,000. The remaining amount includes fees for the facility, hospital, anesthesiologist, and other fees.

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that where a surgery is performed largely determines the price for a facelift. The most expensive are performed in the New England States, then the mountain/Pacific states, followed by the north central states and the south central states.

If the surgeon has his own facility the patient may pay less than if he performs surgery in a surgical center or hospital.

Price ranges for specific procedures are:

Standard face lift – $6,000-$15,000, average price of $8,000
Mid face lift – $4,000-$10,000, average price of $7,000
Lower face lift – $4,000-$10,000, average price of $7,000
Mini face lift (weekend) – $3,500-$6,500, average price of $5,000
Thread lift face lift – $2,000-$6,000, average price of $4,000

If a patient has a neck lift at the same time as his or her face lift, the patient will pay an additional $4,000 to $7,500. Any procedure added on to the face lift such as brow lift surgery, facial liposuction, eyelid surgery, or microdermabrasion will increase the cost.
The surgeon may point out that a basic facelift alone will not give the look one desires and additional surgery will be necessary.

Recovery Time and Costs

Those working full time should consider they will need to miss 10 days to 2 weeks of work due to swelling and discoloration.

The recovery time for an endoscopic facelift, thread facelift or a mini facelift is about one or two days or a weekend.

While expenses can quickly accumulate, for many these expenses are a necessary evil if they are to stay competitive in the job market.  A few thousand dollars now could mean earning several more thousand dollars each year.

Plastic surgery has a reputation of being an expensive undertaking that’s only for the rich and famous. While it can be expensive, plastic surgery doesn’t have to be out of reach just because you’re on a budget. There are several routes available to just about anyone who would like to enhance their appearance via plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery can be aesthetic or cosmetic with procedures designed to improve the appearance of a feature that is disfigured or that is just not as attractive as you’d like. The reconstructive type is just like it sounds, reconstructing just about any part of the body that is seriously damaged in an accident or fire.

If you have health insurance, reconstructive surgical procedures may be covered at some level. Aesthetic plastic surgery, on the other hand, is considered elective surgery, or not medically necessary. Since the surgery is not necessary for the health of the patient, a health insurance policy will not cover the costs.

There are a number of variables that impact the cost of cosmetic surgery, including which state the surgery is performed in, the complexity of the procedure or how much work is needed, and of course the surgeon’s fee schedule. These variables are why you can’t just pick a procedure off a menu and know exactly what it will cost you.

The first step is to make an appointment with a reputable plastic surgeon who can talk to you about what you’re trying to accomplish. A physical examination is also required to determine what exactly needs to be done to accomplish your goal. Once you have a quote, you should seriously consider seeing at least one other surgeon to get another opinion and cost estimate. By shopping around, you’ll likely save yourself some of the overall expense. When you have an estimate or two, you can make a decision about which surgeon you feel most comfortable with from both a cost and an ability perspective.

With a number in mind, it’s now time to determine how to finance the procedure. The least costly method is to pay for the entire expense out of pocket, whether you already have the money in your savings account, or if you need to start saving. If you choose to save for the cosmetic surgery, the best place to start is with a well-thought-out budget. A budget will help ensure that you spend money based on a plan so you can save the excess before spending it on any variety of unplanned expenses.

If, however, you can’t wait to have the procedure done, you can look into financing the procedure. There is actually a loan product available that is meant to finance plastic surgery. This loan differs from an auto or home loan because it is an unsecured personal loan, which means that there is no collateral than can be repossessed in the event you default on the loan. Qualifying for an unsecured personal loan requires an excellent credit record so that the loan officer or underwriter at the bank or other financial institution has a high level of confidence that the loan will be repaid in full and on time.