GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Most pediatric facial plastic surgery is reconstructive, not cosmetic, but is intended to restore "normalcy" to the facial appearance.
• Realistic expectations are the key to success.
• Safety is paramount
• Natural results are the goal of any purely cosmetic surgery or procedure.

PROBLEM:

• Any abnormality of a child's face or neck.

GOALS:

• Restore normal appearance.

LIMITATIONS:

• Cannot recreate undamaged skin
• May not completely alter developmental asymmetries
• Cannot prevent changes that occur with development
• Cannot solve personal problems of parents

GOALS MAY ONLY BE PARTIALLY MET

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

• Aging and development will continue

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE / ANESTHESIA/ FACILITY:

• General anesthesia may be necessary for some children, although local may be used in certain children that may be able to tolerate it from a maturity perspective.

POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ice pack to the area immediately after procedure.
• Continue ice packs until sleep on day of procedure.
• Continue ice packs intermittently as much as possible on day 2.