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.