Getting Plastic Surgery For A Child Can Be A Complicated Decision

Some kids are born with birth defects that are not dangerous to their health, but may be hard to deal with as they get older. This is because they may change their appearance, which can be considered quite important at any age as a child, teenager, or adult. This is one of the reasons that plastic surgery is so popular. Of course, you are not advised to simply sign your child up for an operation that is not necessary. Consider the pros and cons first, as well as what to think about.

The first thing to do is consult with your child's doctor. He or she may advise you on what a professional might do in your situation. The doctor might let you know that the procedure is best to do when the patient is young, as it may be less successful and perhaps more painful as he or she gets older. You should take this into consideration if this is the case. On the other hand, the surgeon may mention that the plastic surgery is not really necessary, and that you should wait until your kid gets older to make his own choice since he can have it done at any age. Consider the factors involved before making a decision.

You may be worried about bullying, as well as the inability for your child to live a normal life with the defect. This is a normal concern since bullying does occur in school. However, consider the fact that it may happen anyway, regardless of a defect being present, as many kids will find something to pick on in classmates. As long as you are ready to explain to your kid what the birth defect means, and that he is perfectly healthy and normal, you can both likely manage it as he ages.

Of course, you should mostly consider the risks of the plastic surgery that you have in mind. Doctors should be able to tell you the negative side effects, recovery period, and whether any scarring will occur. Not only are these important because you need to make sure your kid stays healthy and not in harm's way, but you should also realize that a major scar may attract just as much bullying as the defect itself might. Consider looking at pictures of kids who have been through the procedure so that you know what the result may be. Then look at statistics to find out how most patients fare.

Older kids should usually have a say in whether they get plastic surgery. Be sure to explain to them the risks in terms that they will understand, but also let them know the benefits. This ensures a patient's ability to make a good decision. Of course, minors need their parents' permission first before they undergo an operation, so if you do not agree with your child's decision, you will need to discuss it carefully. In the end, this is a decision that you should make with your child and his doctor so that all angles are considered.