What parent doesn’t want to spare their child the extremely painful and emotionally scarring experience of growing up estranged from his or her peers? If a child is born with a birth defect, it is imperative that parents are educated by a board-certified and highly experienced reconstructive plastic surgeon. At Romo Plastic Surgery, we strive to empower you, as parents, with the understanding that much can be done to help your child have a natural appearance and live a normal life. In fact, Dr. Romo prides himself on delivering results that are so natural that, “We won’t tell if you don’t.”
Dr. Thomas Romo III cares deeply about children. He dedicates his talents and many years of experience to protecting children from the isolation and ridicule of growing up with a facial deformity by providing them with surgical solutions that will improve their lives. Dr. Romo will meet with both you and your child to evaluate your concerns. He will then provide a comprehensive explanation of the surgical options available to improve your child’s appearance. The most common cosmetic procedures performed on children are rhinoplasty and otoplasty. Dr. Romo is also a recognized expert in the treatment of the facial birth defect known as microtia. For the past 25 years, Dr. Romo has dedicated his talents to advancing microtia surgery, helping children with facial plastic surgery needs who come to New York City from all over the world.
Why Would a Child Need Plastic Surgery?
Children need plastic surgery for a number of different reasons. Many surgeries focus on correcting congenital anomalies. However, a plastic surgeon may be consulted for the repair of injuries, skin conditions such as significant scars or birthmarks, irregular head shape, cleft palate, and ear and nose deformities.
What is the Youngest Age to Get Cosmetic Surgery?
The procedures that Dr. Romo performs can be done on patients as young as age five or six. Some plastic surgeries are performed on infants. The timing of these procedures is considered with care regarding the child's developmental wellness and ability to recover well. For example, children tend to heal quite well from otoplasty ear surgery and, after their procedure, are able to enter school without the burden of large or protruding ears. Studies indicate that the early performance of ear surgery enables children to thrive in their social environments and focus on their studies because they are not struggling with self-consciousness about their appearance.
How Many Years Does Facial Plastic Surgery Last?
Pediatric plastic surgery is intended to last many years, if not indefinitely. A child who undergoes ear pinning, for instance, does not have to worry that their ears will protrude again at some point. This is because the ears are fully developed at the time of surgery so should not change much over time. Nose surgeries may also remain consistent over time due to the stability in the nasal structure across years of physical maturation. In the case of nose surgeries, there is a risk of injury affecting appearance, though this is no greater of a risk than that which exists for a person who has never had nose surgery.
How Many Kids Get Facial Plastic Surgery a Year?
Each year in the United States, thousands of children of all ages undergo various plastic surgery procedures. Some doctors have dedicated their entire practice to the treatment of pediatric structural and cosmetic issues. In our NYC office, Dr. Romo performs specific pediatric procedures and has an outstanding reputation for his high quality of care before, during, and after surgery.
How to Explain Plastic Surgery to a Child
Knowing that your child is facing surgery can be stressful. First and foremost, it is important for you to be informed and confident about the choice to have plastic surgery. Your child will read you and follow suit, so your sense of calm is paramount to their experience. Once the decision has been made to have surgery, do not shy away from talking about it. Tell your child in the simplest language that they will be having surgery and explain to them the reason for this decision. Your child may resist or may express fear. Keep in mind that your continued sense of calm will be immensely helpful to them as surgery nears. Remain open and honest about the surgery. Do not "spring" it on your child the day of their procedure. Allow them to emotionally prepare well in advance through multiple conversations. If approved by the surgical team, you may allow your child to choose a comfort item to bring to the surgery center with them.
Learn more about the facial plastic surgery procedures for children offered at our NYC practice by clicking on the buttons below.
What People Say About Us!
"Dr. Romo was clear and confident from the very beginning about exactly what he envisioned for me – what was necessary and what wasn’t. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, skilled, and encouraging, and made the process so much less mysterious and scary than it could have been. His staff is amazing, very responsive, caring, and knowledgable about the process as well, and literally held my hand every step of the way!"
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