Pediatric Procedures

Children require specialized treatment when plastic surgery is needed. They are growing very quickly, they cannot express themselves well, and they are not patient when being examined or treated.

A mother and daughter sitting outside on a porch

Approximately 3% of all plastic surgery is performed on children, often to correct a congenital deformity such as an abnormal ear, cleft palate, or a craniofacial defect. Dr. Joshua Lampert, board-certified plastic surgeon, always tries to understand the challenges that parents face when surgery is in their child’s future. His approach is to spend ample time with each family to ensure they are fully informed and involved with the treatment plan.

Pediatric Otoplasty: Ear Pinning

This surgery is most commonly performed on children between the age of 5 and 14. This is sometimes a functional as well as cosmetic correction, as some children are born with structural ear defects that can impair hearing. Children born with protruding or mismatched ears benefit greatly by having this correction.

Dr. Lampert recommends that children have surgery once their ears have fully developed and when they are able to deal with the requirements of recovery.

Sometimes, it is best performed before they reach school age to avoid unnecessary teasing, which can impact self-confidence and scholastic performance.

Each child develops at a different rate. Some children can easily handle otoplasty surgery as early as age 5, while others should wait until they are able to follow directions and are not resistant to the idea of surgery. Dr. Lampert finds that most young patients can easily deal with the surgery and are compliant wearing a compression headband while they sleep for the first few months.

Dr. Joshua Lampert - Patient Thanks

Functional & Cosmetic Pediatric Surgery: Birth Defects and Injuries

Reconstructive surgery on children is predominantly focused on restoring normal function or avoiding future health problems, but aesthetics are important as well. Dr. Lampert believes that avoiding low self-esteem is a vital component of restoring normal form and function. Generally, reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on repairing congenital defects, deformities associated with abnormal development, injuries caused by traumatic events, and defects caused by tumors or disease. Some of the conditions treated are:

Prominent or asymmetric ears
A broken or crooked nose
Birthmarks, burns, and scars
Abnormal breast development, Poland’s syndrome, and Gynecomastia
Traumatic injury repair from dog bites, car accidents, or other injuries
Ear defects, missing ears
Cleft lip and palate repairs
Cleft nasal deformity
Neurofibromatosis and Von Recklinghausen Disease
An abnormally shaped skull (from Craniosynostosis or Plagiocephaly) and birth defects of the face and skull
Micrognathia – an undersized jaw
Facial paralysis
Birth injuries – nerve injuries
Webbed fingers or an extra finger

Surgery has to be planned to keep in mind the amount of growth that will still occur after the procedure, as well as the potential impact of the surgery on any future growth. For some conditions, surgery should wait until growth is nearly complete. Comparing the child’s stature to the parents may help. Additionally, hand X-rays can be performed to evaluate any remaining growth plates, which can help determine how much more growth is expected. Other conditions, such as cleft palate or cleft lip, are repaired earlier in life.

Dr. Lampert’s Approach

Dr. Lampert’s practice is based on the idea that less is more. He sees fewer patients but delivers higher quality care, treating each individual with the delicacy and personalized attention he might bestow on a family member or loved one. Dr. Lampert’s skill, expertise, and artistry are coupled with a real desire to improve his patients’ lives, providing them with the confidence and self-esteem to succeed at anything they set their minds to.

Before & Afters

All plastic surgeons should be judged on the aesthetic merits of their work. Review Dr. Lampert’s before and after gallery to see what he has accomplished.

Arrange a Consultation with a Leading Miami Plastic Surgeon

Contact Dr. Lampert to arrange a consultation and find out what treatment options are best suited for your child. His practice is designed to allow ample time for each patient to ask as many questions as necessary until they are fully confident that they are doing the right thing for their child.