Contrary to popular belief, plastic surgery does not apply strictly to adults. In many cases, children may require surgery to correct a deformity caused by a birth defect, injury, illness or tumor. Whether needed to improve the child’s health or to boost their confidence, plastic surgery can help better their everyday interactions with other kids. Our goal is to provide the best support possible, ensuring that you feel confident and comfortable with the choices you make for your children.

Why Choose Us?

Knowing that your child needs a surgery can be overwhelming and concerning, which is why Dr. Gideon Maresky and this team are here to make sure you feel confident that your child is in excellent hands. Dr Maresky has dedicated part of this career to plastic surgery procedures for babies, children, and teens. From the first consultation, the team will work closely with you and your child to explain the procedures, treatment options, and to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

What Is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery is the process of altering the human body through various surgical procedures. Plastic surgery can be divided into two categories: Reconstructive Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery.

Reconstructive Surgery: In most cases, reconstructive surgery is used to correct defects on the face or body. These include physical birth defects like cleft palates, ear deformities, and  traumatic injuries like dog bites, burns, or other serious injuries.

Cosmetic Surgery: Also known as aesthetic surgery, these procedures change a part of the body that the person is not satisfied with. Common cosmetic procedures include mammoplasty, rhinoplasty, etc. Some cosmetic procedures are not surgical, including laser scar removal and other minor procedures.

What Do We Do?

What Do We Do?

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: These are birth abnormalities of the mouth and lip. The surgery restores function and a more normal appearance.

Burns: These are injuries caused by heat. The heat can be thermal, electrical, chemical, or electromagnetic energy.

Pigmented Birthmarks and Moles: Also commonly known as melanocytic nevus, is an usually non-cancerous disorder of pigment-producing skin cells. Vascular anomalies, caused by a disorder of the vascular development, are part of birthmark and can be removed.

Wound, Scars and Laceration repair: These are injuries to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact. In most cases, the skin is cut or broken.

Microtia: This is a condition in which a child is born with an ear(s) deformed or absent.  

Deformational Plagiocephaly: Also known as flat head syndrome, this refers to a misshapen part of the head from repeated pressure to the same area.

Congenital Hand and Toes: Children may be born with a variety of hand problems, including webbing of the fingers and toes. Extra fingers, known as Polydactyly or Syndactyly, are also common and can be defined as the condition of having some or all of the fingers or toes wholly or partly united.

Congenital Hand and Toes: Children may be born with a variety of hand problems, including webbing of the fingers and toes. Extra fingers, known as Polydactyly or Syndactyly, are also common and can be defined as the condition of having some or all of the fingers or toes wholly or partly united. Many of these conditions may be corrected surgically to allow children to develop normal hand function.

Brachial Plexus: The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that come from the spinal cord in the neck and travel down the arm. Injury to the brachial plexus can be extremely painful and, in some cases, can cause permanent disability in the arm.

Circumcision: This is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin of the penis is removed.

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): This malformation is best described as an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, usually in the brain or spine. It is usually present at birth and can cause bleeding to the brain or spinal cord.

Other Surgery Options for Children and Adults:

 

The Complications, Risks, and Side Effects of Children Having Surgery

If carried out by a medical professional, the side effects from a trauma surgery should subside within the first few days after the surgery.

Temporary Side Effects  it is common to experience side effects after a surgery these include:

  • Pain
  • Discomfort
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness

Other Possible Side Effects in some cases, the side effects are more severe. These include:

  • Infection
  • Nerve damage
  • A sensitive scar
  • Hematoma
  • Tissue death

These risks will be fully disclosed and explained by the surgeon, if at any point post surgery a patient suffers from any serious side effects – please consult your surgeon immediately.

F.A.Q.

When is the last time my child may have something to eat or drink before surgery?

In general, any patients having surgery should have an empty stomach at the time they go to operation room. This helps reduce the risk of complications. To be sure your child’s stomach is empty, you should not allow your child to have any milk, formula or solid foods after the midnight before surgery. You are allowed, however, to give your child clear liquids (such as water, apple juice) up until 2 hours before the operation is scheduled. 

What if my child gets sick before surgery?

If your child becomes sick in the days before surgery, please let us know. In cases of very minor illness, it may still be possible to have the surgery as planned. However, your child’s safety is our primary concern. If any member of our surgical team feels that it would be safer to wait until your child feels better, we may reschedule your surgery.

Do we need a mental preparation?

Good mental preparation is the key. You need to prepare your child, family and yourself for the effects of the surgery. If need be,  make sure that you have organized caregivers before the operation. Complications are sometimes unavoidable after surgery, but you can help reduce some of the risks by following your doctor’s instructions.