Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Conditions we treat with pediatric plastic surgery 

Cleft lip and palate

This affects many newborns, and the exact cause is unknown. A pediatric plastic surgeon can assess the severity of your child’s cleft and recommend next steps. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive care for all forms of cleft lips and palates.

Abnormally shaped skull

When the bone plates in a baby’s skull fuse earlier than usual, it results in craniosynostosis. Surgical treatment for this condition is not only cosmetic, it can relieve pressure on your child’s brain. 

Trauma that results in stitches and scars (such as a dog bite)

Massage techniques and silicone injections can help minimize the appearance of scars on the face or cosmetically sensitive areas such as hands and arms.

Birthmarks, moles or lesions

If an abnormality obstructs vision, a pediatric plastic surgeon can remove it. In other areas, a balloon can be implanted under the abnormality to stretch the skin. When the abnormality is removed, cosmetic repairs are made using the stretched skin. 

Dermoid cysts

Although these fluid-filled cysts are present at birth and commonly located on the brow, they’re typically not diagnosed until age 2 or later. Pediatric plastic surgeons remove dermoid cysts by making an incision in the eyelid, an inconspicuous area that heals well. 

Skin lesion bleeds

A tiny red spot on your child’s skin is usually no big deal. Sometimes these skin lesions grow and bleed. When they do, they should be removed. 

Deformities resulting in bullying or teasing

It often happens to kids who have large ears or to boys who have excess breast tissue (gynecomastia). Insurance may cover a procedure that alleviates bullying. 

Earrings stuck in earlobes

When earrings are left in too long, the backing erodes the skin and causes it to get stuck. If this happens to your child, we can help.

Facial fracture deformities

When a fracture causes deformities to the eye socket, surgery is performed to reconstruct the area. If a nose injury causes it to become crooked or hinders breathing, surgery may be needed. 

Wounds that won’t heal 

Wounds that have trouble healing may be a result of poor blood supply or an infection. A pediatric plastic surgeon can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment. 

Extra fingers or toes

Some babies are born with extra fingers or toes (polydactyly). Surgery for this condition often requires only local or topical anesthesia and allows children to quickly get back to being kids.