What to Expect at Your Child’s First Pediatric Plastic Surgery Visit

To help your child’s care team get a complete picture, it’s helpful to:

•    Bring any referrals, imaging, or test results from recent appointments
•    Take pictures if the condition has changed over time (like a scar or skin lesion) 
•    Be ready to share details about when you first noticed the issue or how an injury happened 

For issues like facial injuries, burns, or nasal trauma, timing can be important—so it’s best not to delay care.
 

During the Visit: Evaluation Comes First

Your child’s first visit with Connecticut Children's pediatric plastic surgery specialists will begin with a conversation.

Your care team may ask:

• When did this start? 
• Has it changed over time? 
• Is your child having any discomfort or functional concerns? 

Then, we’ll exam your child. Depending on the reason for your visit, this may include:

• Evaluating a facial laceration, skin lesion, or scar 
• Assessing a nasal injury after a fall or sports-related incident
• Examining a congenital (“at birth”) condition, such as ear shape concerns

The goal is to understand both how something looks and how it may functionally affect your child over time. 

What Most Parents Are Surprised to Learn

Pediatric plastic surgery is focused on choosing the right treatment plan at the right time—not rushing into an operation.

• Most first visits do not involve surgery
• The visit is focused on evaluation and guidance
• You’ll have time to ask questions and understand next steps

At your child's visit, we'll explain: 

• Many conditions can be monitored over time 
• Some injuries heal well without surgical treatment 
• Non-surgical options are often considered first 

>>Related: Reasons your child might see a plastic surgeon

 

After evaluating your child, your clinician will walk you through next steps. 

Depending on your child’s needs, this may include:

• A “watch and wait” plan as your child grows 
• Non-surgical treatments to support healing or improve appearance 
• A minor procedure 
• Planning for surgery, if and when it’s appropriate 

For example, a non-displaced nasal injury may be allowed to heal in place without surgery, while certain scars, skin lesions, or congenital conditions may be appropriate for surgical management.  

You’ll leave the visit with a clear plan and time to ask questions about what comes next.

 

Pediatric plastic surgery is different from adult plastic surgery. Care is designed specifically for children and adolescents, with a focus on:

•    Growth and development 
•    Long-term outcomes 
•    Minimizing both physical and emotional stress 

Our team works to make visits as comfortable as possible, while helping families feel informed and supported every step of the way.
 

When to See a Pediatric Plastic Surgery Specialist

You may consider an evaluation if your child has:

• A facial injury or nasal injury 
• A cut, burn, or scar that may require wound care or treatment 
• A raised or thickened scar, such as a keloid 
• A skin lesion or growth 
• An adolescent breast condition, such as macromastia or breast asymmetry
• A congenital condition, including cleft lip and palate or ear differences 
• Concerns about function, healing, or long-term appearance 

If you’re unsure, a pediatric plastic surgery consultation can help you understand your options.