Pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgeons specialize in pediatric plastic surgery, cleft lip and palate, hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, and vascular anomalies as part of our surgical services at Live Oak Surgery Center in Plano.
Pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery are performed at Live Oak Surgery Center in Plano to treat congenital defects, trauma, tumors, disease, and developmental abnormalities in children. Our highly experienced plastic and craniofacial surgeons focus on restoring functionality yet have a keen understanding of the importance of aesthetics, especially for children. The pediatric reconstructive experts at LOSC employ the most advanced surgical techniques to ensure a successful and safe procedure for each patient.
Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery
What are Common Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgeries
Cleft lip/palate: Early repair for cleft lip and/or palate is recommended to minimize social discomfort and restore normal function. Cleft lip surgery (cheiloplasty) and cleft palate surgery (palatoplasty) are performed to repair the incomplete formation of the upper lip and roof of the mouth. Our reconstructive surgeons work in conjunction with your team of cleft specialists to provide the most time appropriate, comfortable experience possible before, during, and after surgery.
Ear deformities: Live Oak Surgery Center offers several surgical options to treat ear deformities and genetic disorders. Otoplasty (surgical correction for ear deformities) is typically recommended between ages 3-5 or when ear development is at least 90% complete. Some ear deformities can be treated with ear molding, a non-surgical alternative to otoplasty that can correct ear shape if applied shortly after birth. Ear conditions we commonly treat include:
- Prominent ears
- Microtia
- Anotia
- Cup ear
- Lop ear
- Stahl’s ear
- Constricted ears
- Cryptotia
- Lidding
Breast deformities: Male gynecomastia (excessive breast tissue) can be removed with liposuction or, if necessary, direct excision. Abnormal breast enlargement (macromastia) in females, as well as underdevelopment and asymmetry, are treated with extreme care, on a case-by-case basis, with future pregnancy and/or breastfeeding needs in mind.
Craniofacial syndromes and skull deformities: Abnormal skull and facial structure growth can be due to disease, injury, or birth defect. Oftentimes, craniosynostosis (premature bone fusion in the skull) presents in conjunction with craniofacial syndromes, and treatment involves collaboration between multiple medical specialties. As every patient is unique, we work closely with all specialists to obtain a treatment plan specific to each child’s needs. Our reconstructive surgeons have extensive experience treating complex conditions such as:
- Apert Syndrome
- Binder Syndrome (maxillonasal dysplasia)
- Carpenter Syndrome
- Craniofacial Microsomia
- Crouzon Syndrome
- Hypertelorism and hypotelorism
- Nager Syndrome
- Nasal Encephaloceles
- Pfeiffer Syndrome
- Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS)
- Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome (SCS)
- Treacher Collins Syndrome
Facial paralysis: Microsurgical techniques can be utilized to restore motion to the face in cases of facial nerve paralysis, which can be caused by congenital deformities, such as in Mobius Syndrome, trauma, Bell’s palsy or tumors. Muscles from the inner thigh typically can be transplanted to improve animation. Treatment may be performed in stages or with one complex surgery, depending on the degree of paralysis.
Vascular anomalies: Differences in blood vessel development can present as vascular malformations (made up of any combination of veins, arteries, capillaries, and lymphatic vessels) or hemangiomas (birthmarks made up of blood vessels only). Treatment depends on the severity, size, and location of the vascular anomaly and can include laser surgical removal or embolization. Vascular anomalies we treat include:
- Capillary malformations (AKA port wine stains)
- Venous malformations
- Lymphatic malformations
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
- Arteriovenous fistula (AVF)
- Hemangiomas
- Tufted angiomas
- Pyogenic granulomas
Maxillofacial abnormalities/teeth and jaw misalignment: Orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) is performed at Live Oak Surgery Center to treat malpositioned jaws and other skeletal or dental abnormalities. The goal of orthognathic surgery is to bring the upper and lower jaws into their correct positions. Jaw surgery is typically recommended after jaw growth is completed and can aid in chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as enhance appearance. Chin adjustment surgery (osseous genioplasty) may be performed simultaneously when necessary.
Traumatic injuries: Our pediatric plastic surgeons offer compassionate reconstructive care for children who sustain traumatic injuries, such as dog bites, facial and nasal fractures, and lacerations. Because facial trauma can involve a multitude of complex and vital structures, choosing a surgeon with craniomaxillofacial expertise is extremely beneficial. Severe burns may require skin grafting surgery and irregular scarring may also benefit from surgical treatment.
Lesions, Tumors, and Cysts
While most lumps and bumps are benign, surgical removal, in some cases, is necessary and/or desirable. Lesions or masses can expand and result in cells or tissue fluids placing pressure on or damaging other adjacent structures. Sometimes these irregular areas are situated in such a way that their presence is bothersome or unsightly, and removal is the best option.
A tumor consists of a collection of abnormal or malformed cells, an enlargement of a normal structure, or a neoplasm (a group of cells multiplying abnormally which can be malignant or benign).
Common pediatric lesions/masses we treat at LOSC include:
Dermoids– Congenital cysts that commonly present at the periorbital region (between the eyes) and should be removed to prevent erosion of adjacent tissue
Epidermoid cysts– Typically occur at the neck of obstructed hair follicles and require surgical excision
Benign nevi (moles): Large or bothersome moles that can be lightened with laser treatment, but only surgical excision can successfully remove them
Pilomatricomas (also known as pilomatrixoma): Neoplasms derived from the hair matrix that usually present on the face, scalp, or upper extremities and can rupture under the skin’s surface and become acutely inflamed, making removal necessary
At Live Oak Surgery Center, we understand that pediatric reconstructive surgery is not just a physical procedure, but an emotional one. Our board-certified pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgeons are dedicated to guiding you through the entire surgical process so that you can be comfortable and confident as your child goes through surgery at our facility. Our priority is to provide a safe and successful result utilizing the most advanced techniques available in a stress-free, compassionate environment for both patient and parents. We are always available to answer questions that parents may have so please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns.
Please contact us by calling 469-488-1000
Disclaimer: These pages are not intended to provide medical
or surgical advice or physician instruction on medical care or treatment. If
you are a patient, consult with your doctor about treatment options that may be
appropriate for your medical condition.
