AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS AND THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION (REPRINTED FROMCLINICS IN PLASTIC-SURGERY, VOL 17, JANUARY 1990)

Aesthetic surgery in the pediatric and adolescent patient is most ofte n a reconstructive procedure aimed at achieving an outcome which will bring the child's appearance closer to normal form and function, rathe r than actual cosmetic improvement. The formation of self-image in the children can be dramatically effected by even slight variations from what is perceived by peers to be normal appearance. The timing of inte rvention may be a critical factor in the success of such procedures. P rotruding ears, a nasal hump, a retrusive jawline, or breast and chest wall deformities are most common variations which, when corrected, al low a child to proceed on the path to normal psychological development and good self-image.