A boy that is shy and self-conscious because of the size of his ears.

A girl suffering from a broken nose after a soccer game injury.

A child born with a cleft lip.

Each of these cases is a prime example of how plastic surgery can intervene, and improve the child's lifestyle now and well into the future.

Plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is defined as a variety of operations performed to repair or restore body parts to look normal, or to change a body part to look better. These types of surgeries are highly specialized, and undergo careful preparation of the person's skin and tissues to ensure minimal scarring. With technological advances, the options available today are amazing, and can provide a world of relief to an insecure or injured child.

Plastic surgeons offer two types of surgery.

Reconstructive � procedures that correct birth defects or traumatic injuries. These would include cleft lips and ear deformities, as well as car and sports injuries, dog bites, and burns.

Cosmetic � procedures that alter a part of the body a person may have previously been uncomfortable with. This may include rhinoplasty (reshaping the nose), or otoplasty (repositioning protruding ears).

According to the ASPS, over 333,000 people 18 years and younger had plastic surgery in 2005, up from about 306,000 in 2000. And like cosmetic surgery for adults, the numbers will keep climbing as technology increases the options available.

While adults typically choose plastic surgery to stand out from the crowd, children and teens choose plastic surgery to fit in with their peers. Plastic surgery allows them to blend in with their friends, and reduce the chance for name calling over differences.

Is plastic surgery the right choice for your child?

Ultimately it's a very personal decision.

Reconstructive surgery is almost always a great choice. Repairing significant defects or problems will not only improve a child's looks, but help improve their self esteem as well. The teenage years can be difficult times with peer pressure, and eliminating differences can help a child blend in, and reduce being the brunt of jokes. It can allow a child to concentrate on what's truly important � school and friendships � instead of worrying about the next round of laughter or rude comments.

Cosmetic surgery is a preference that is dependent on the child and the procedure. A doctor may spend time with a child to discover why the procedure is important to him or her, and to decide if the child is ready for the requirements and demands of surgery.

Above all, be honest and upfront with your child, providing they are old enough to be a part of the decision. Find out as much as you can and talk through all of your questions and concerns. The more informed you are, the easier the procedure will be. Once you have the facts, decide which procedure is right for you.

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Dr Randolph C Robinson is double board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and is an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider. He practices oral, maxillofacial, craniofacial, and cosmetic surgery in the Denver, Colorado area, and is internationally known for his work in the area of Orthognathic Surgery (jaw surgery). Visit his practice at
ParkMeadowsCosmeticSurgery.com