Pediatric & Adolescent

Otoplasty

With one or more common techniques, Dr. Lukash makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage.  He will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head.  Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape.  Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.  In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time.

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  Surgical Procedures

 

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Ear Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the microtic ear is a challenge that demands artistic creativity and strict attention to the principles of tissue transplantation.  The process involves the use of autogenous rib cartilages sculpted into an auricular framework and placed beneath the ear skin.  Other stages include reconstruction of the earlobe, tragus, and auriculocephalic sulcus to closely replicate the normal ear.

Author: Frederick N. Lukash, M.D.
Publication: Children's Hospital Quarterly, 1991
Publisher: 1996 Human Sciences Press, Inc.
Title: Total Reconstruction of the Microtic Ear with Autogenous Rib Cartilage: The State of the Art

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  Surgical Procedures

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Cleft Lip & Palate

Traditional approaches to cleft lip and palate deformities have focused on early closure of the lip with little attention paid to the underlying bone and dental arches.  Bypassing correction of these crucial areas has resulted in alveolar collapse, oral nasal fistulas, and nasal deformities.  A more progressive approach is to insert palatomaxillary appliances in the early weeks after birth to painlessly realign the cleft bony segments into normal position.  In one surgical procedure the dental arch is then fused, the oral nasal fistula closed, and the nose and lip repaired.

Author: Frederick N. Lukash, M.D.
Publication: Children's Hospital Quarterly, 1991
Publisher: 1996 Human Sciences Press, Inc.
Title: Dramatic Advances in Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

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  Surgical Procedures

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Breast Assymetry

This is probably the most psychologically devastating situations that an adolescent female can face.  There are problems of altered body image (pairs are supposed to be matched) and the problems of trying to fit into clothes.  these girls will shy away from any situation that may reveal the asymmetry.  Plastic surgical consultation will be invaluable to let these teenagers know that there is a solution to their situation.  Together patient, family and doctor an plan the best course of action to equalize the breasts.

Author: Frederick N. Lukash, M.D.
Publication: Children's Hospital Quarterly, 1996
Publisher: 1996 Human Sciences Press, Inc.
Title: Adolescent Plastic Surgery

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  Surgical Procedures

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Nasal Facial Balance

Functionally the nose aids in our sense of smell, and humidifies and warms the air we breathe.  Aesthetically it defines our face and plays a major role in self esteem.  Over 70,000 people a year seek out nasal surgery.  A nose that is too big or too long for a face can alter otherwise wonderful facial balance and esthetics.  Refinements to this area can dramatically improve the psycho-social well being of an adolescent.  Many plastic surgeons have computer imaging systems that can show the patient and family the expected changes.  Along with this is the pattern of large noses and small chins.  Sometimes the solution to the angst is to refine both of these areas so the face falls into geometric balance.

These are the most common and traditional problems that affect adolescents in the aesthetic arena.  As the standards of accepted beauty rise in this socially pressured world it would not be surprising to see plastic surgeons participating with families and child psychiatrists to search out the best solutions for adolescents facing problems of body image.  It would also not be surprising to see other areas such as liposuction enter into the mix.  A team approach will be very important.  a singular perceived flaw is better dealt with than suppressed and converted into another problem like anorexia or bulimia.

Author: Frederick N. Lukash, M.D.
Publication: Children's Hospital Quarterly, 1996
Publisher: 1996 Human Sciences Press, Inc.
Title: Adolescent Plastic Surgery

For additional information please contact our office.

  Surgical Procedures