Why Plastic Surgery For Kids?
Plastic surgery is surgery that focuses on fixing body parts that have been lost, been hurt, or have not grown the way they should. Plastic surgery can help your child if they have a condition or injury that can’t be treated with medicine or other treatments alone. Plastic surgery to fix birth defects, injuries, and other problems can help a child feel better about their looks and help give them confidence. Dr. Papanicolaou is trained in pediatric plastic surgery with much experience in pediatric otoplasty and earwell procedures.
What Is Pediatric Otoplasty?
Otoplasty (to pin back ears) can be done on young children. It is best to do it as your child’s ears are almost done developing, around four to six years old, but it can be done on teens and adults too. Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning that your child will be able to go home the same day as surgery.
What Is EarWell Procedure?
The EarWell® Infant Ear Correction System is the first and most advanced nonsurgical infant ear deformity molding device. A majority of baby ear deformities are the result of ear position while inside the uterus. It is not uncommon for newborns to have temporarily folded misshapen ears. Approximately one-third of infants are born with misshapen ears which can be classified as a deformity (no missing tissue) or a true malformation (some degree of missing skin and/or cartilage). The EarWell can be applied to a child’s ears within days after birth. Treatment must be started by 3 months of age to ensure full correction. EarWell requires no anesthesia, sedation, or medication because it causes no pain. It is non-surgical and non-invasive.