Pediatric & Congenital Corrective Surgery

Conveniently located to serve San Ramon

At Wotowic Plastic Surgery, we recognize the profound impact of congenital anomalies and deformities on a child’s development and quality of life. Pediatric and congenital corrective surgery offers vital interventions designed to address these conditions, allowing children to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. The ultimate goal is to address congenital anomalies to improve appearance, function, and form. These corrective surgeries can be performed for kids and for adults still suffering from conditions and deformities they were born with. If you need congenital problems corrected, consider pediatric and congenital corrective surgery in San Ramon.

Common Types of Pediatric & Congenital Corrective Surgeries

Congenital Deformities of the Ear

Ear surgery can treat ear deformities, including visibly misshapen ears, prominent ears, and Stahl’s Ear. It provides a balanced, symmetrical, and pleasing appearance of the ears without obviously appearing pinned back. Reconstructive ear surgeries can be done without creating noticeable scars, thanks to having incisions placed only in inconspicuous areas behind the ears.

Pediatric congenital ear deformity surgery aims to give you an ear shape that looks more natural so that it does not draw unwanted attention. It treats prominent ears to improve their proportion, position, or shape. It can address unusually large ears by using sutures to change the shape of the ears and pin them back into place.

Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate

A cleft lip or cleft palate affects the orofacial region. Corrective surgery usually addresses the cleft lip first to create lip symmetry while giving the upper teeth room to develop.

A cleft lip surgery is performed to close the gap in the lip and improve how the nose and upper lip look. It involves making incisions on both sides of the cleft to create flaps of skin that can be stitched together using dissolvable sutures. The surgery requires general anesthesia and usually takes two hours or less.

A cleft palate surgery is done to fix the opening in the mouth’s roof by fixing tissue layers. These tissues are adjusted, and stitches are used to combine both sides of the cleft.

A cleft lip and cleft palate corrective surgery helps the mouth and lips function correctly. It reduces the risk of other health problems, such as trouble eating, swallowing, and sucking; fluid buildup behind the eardrum; and ear infections. Other benefits include reducing the risk of speech delays, hearing loss, fluid from the nose, and dental problems.

Congenital Deformities of the Extremities

Congenital limb deformities may include deformities of the forearm, shoulder, hand, and chest wall. Corrective surgeries addressing these deformities may involve releasing extremely tight joints, extending the length of extremely short tendons, and helping bones grow straighter.

Polydactyly and syndactyly repair involve the correction of extra fingers or toes (polydactyly) and webbed fingers or toes (syndactyly) to improve hand or foot function and appearance. Limb reconstruction surgeries may involve straightening bent bones and keeping them in place to help them heal in the proper position, growing new bones, and extending extremely short bones. Limb lengthening may be the most popular corrective surgery for the extremities, which promotes improved proportions and a more balanced walk and gait.

The Surgical Process

Understanding the surgical process is essential for parents considering pediatric and congenital corrective surgery in San Ramon. At Wotowic Plastic Surgery, our surgical process involves:

• Initial Consultation: During this visit, Dr. Paul Wotowic will evaluate the child’s condition, discuss potential surgical options, and answer any questions or concerns.
• Pre-Surgical Preparation: We guide parents through preparing their child for surgery, including any necessary tests, instructions for fasting, and medication management.
• Surgery: Our team performs the procedure under general anesthesia, with a focus on minimizing discomfort and maximizing surgical outcomes.
• Post-Operative Care: Post-surgery, we provide detailed instructions for care at home, including managing pain and recognizing signs of complications. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the child’s recovery and overall progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of pediatric and congenital corrective surgery?

Pediatric and congenital corrective surgeries offer significant benefits, such as improving physical appearance, enhancing functional abilities, and boosting psychological well-being. Corrective surgery can also prevent future complications and promote normal development.

Who is a candidate for pediatric and congenital corrective surgery?

Candidates include children with congenital anomalies that affect their health, development, or appearance. Each case is evaluated individually to determine the best course of action.

What is the recovery process for pediatric and congenital corrective surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Most children must rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.

How should I prepare my child for pediatric and congenital corrective surgery?

Preparing your child involves both physical and emotional readiness. Discuss the surgery in age-appropriate language, follow all pre-surgical instructions provided by the medical team, and create a supportive home recovery environment.

Can multiple congenital issues be addressed in a single surgery?

In some cases, multiple congenital issues can be addressed in one surgery. This decision is based on the child’s overall health, the specific conditions being corrected, and the expected surgical outcomes.

Contact Us to Find Out More

If you’re looking for high-quality pediatric and congenital corrective surgery, contact Dr Paul Wotowic – Expert Plastic Surgeon to book your consultation today. We are committed to providing exceptional care to families throughout the East Bay area, San Ramon, and San Francisco, CA.

Dr. Paul Wotowic is an active member of professional societies including: