Pediatric Plastic Surgery at UVM Medical Center
If your child has a condition that requires plastic surgery, you will find dedicated, compassionate care from surgeons with years of experience at the Vermont Children's Hospital at The University of Vermont Medical Center.
Take a virtual tour of the UVM Children's Hospital by vistingthe Great Hosptial Adventure or download our hospital brochure.
Our pediatric plastic surgeons work closely with other pediatric specialists, bringing together the skills of a multi-disciplinary team, focused on the needs of your child. We are committed to a personalized, family-centered approach that puts your family at the center of everything we do.
Plastic surgery services are provided in a safe, confidential and comforting environment. Our modern facility offers easy access and plenty of parking. Our physicians, nurses and staff work to make every step of the process as easy as possible so you know exactly what to expect.
As a university hospital, you can be assured that the care your child receives will be state-of-the-art. Our pediatric plastic surgeons are faculty members at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, with the most up-to-date knowledge and training.
We offer pediatric plastic surgery treatment for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Cleft Lip and Palate - The Cleft and Craniofacial Team combines experts from The University of Vermont Children's Hospital and community practices to provide the most comprehensive care possible for children diagnosed with cleft lip and palate.
- Birthmarks - While many birthmarks are harmless, others need to be treated for cosmetic or medical reasons. We perform a variety of plastic surgery techniques to treat birthmarks, from simple excision to serial excision, which involves removing sections of the birthmark over time. We are also experienced in tissue expansion to treat birthmarks.
- Hemangiomas and Vascular Anomalies - A hemangioma is one of the most common birthmarks, usually appearing as a bright red patch on the skin. It grows during the first year of life, and then often will shrink and completely disappear by early school age. Our plastic surgeons treat these conditions with observation or early surgical excision if needed.
- Congenital Hand Anomalies - Congenital hand anomalies refer to physical differences in the hands that are present at birth. Two of the most common of these are syndactyly (webbed fingers) and polydactyly (extra fingers) At the UVM Children's Hospital, we treat children with hand anomalies, offering surgery to improve the hand's function and physical appearance when possible.
- Craniosynostosis - Our plastic surgeons work with pediatric neurosurgeons at the UVM Medical Center to treat infants with craniosynostosis, a birth defect that causes the skull to close prematurely before the brain is fully formed. While mild cases of the condition may not require treatment, infants with more severe cases or underlying conditions require surgery to separate the fused bones and remodel the shape of the cranium.
- Prominent Ears - Prominent ears or too large ears are conditions that are present at birth. Children and families may decide to have surgery to improve the shape or position of the ear. We treat children with this condition and perform otoplasty, sometimes referred to as ear pinning, to correct the size or placement of the ear. Typically this procedure is performed on children 7 years or older.
- Trauma-Related Conditions
Specialized Expertise in Pediatric Reconstructive Surgery Treatments
Our pediatric plastic surgeons are experienced in using a cosmetic reconstructive surgical procedure called "tissue expansion" to treat specific pediatric conditions such as birth defects.
What is tissue expansion?
It is a surgical procedure that enables the body to make extra skin to help reconstruct almost any part of the body.
How it works:
A silicone balloon expander is inserted under the skin near the area to be repaired and then gradually filled with salt water over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. Commonly used for breast reconstruction following breast removal, the procedure is also used to repair skin damaged by birth defects, accidents or surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact UVM Medical Center Pediatric Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery at 802-847-3340.
