If you’re the parent of a young child, you know how blunt they can be sometimes when it comes to voicing their observations and opinions. While most of these statements come off as cute or funny, they can also be painful, especially when spoken about the looks of other children.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more 76,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on individuals under the age of 18. The most common operations include ear pinning surgery, mole and birthmark removal and scar revision.
In an interview with Richmond, Virginia, ABC affiliate WRIC, Dr. Joe Niamtu said that he regularly sees young patients who are brought in by their parents. According to him, many are concerned that their children will be teased in school for something that they can’t control. He also said that parents who are concerned about this issue should get in touch with a plastic surgeon sooner rather than later.
“Ideally, we want to correct it before they start school because little kids have no filter,” Niamtu told the source. “And they may say something innocent like, ‘What’s that on your face?’ or ‘What’s wrong with your nose?’ however. They are also spiteful and they tease.”
Despite the emotional issues that bullying can cause, Niamtu also noted that plastic surgery may not be the right solution for everyone. He suggested that families take the time to weigh the pros and cons of a cosmetic procedure before making any final decisions.
If you are interested in learning more about ear plastic surgery or other procedures commonly performed on children, don’t hesitate to reach out to the knowledgeable staff at The Lett Center today.