Month: January 2017

It is the holiday period, and the new school term is just weeks away. Somehow we see parents bringing in their child to see a plastic surgeon for the problem – the ears.

Every parent wants the best for their child, and we tend to see more parents seeking help from plastic surgeons for their child’s prominent ears. Prominent ears, also known as bats ears, can be surgically treated to alter the ear’s size and shape or set so they are closer to the head. This procedure is known as otoplasty.

According to Dr Marco, it is relatively common to see these cases coming into his clinic before the child starts school or during the school holidays.

Dr Marco mentioned that parents would bring their child in for a consultation, and their mindset is to book the date for the procedure. However, Dr Marco always insists on speaking to the child and asking what the problem is and if it is troubling him/her.

“It is important to know what & how the child wants and feels, and if they are being teased or bullied by friends in school or even called names due to how their ears look. This kind of negative effects can affect the child psychologically and affect their well-being in school and life. No one wants to be call names and being teased”.

Dr Marco commented that some of the children really want to have the otoplasty procedure. They would even be willing to listen to instructions and cooperate during the procedure, which takes around 45 minutes, done in the clinic under local anaesthesia. The child will participate in taking the photos before the procedure and during the whole entire procedure. They are even vocal about if they feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure! Of course, you need to keep them informed of what you are going to do to them.

Dr Marco emphasised that he will assess those who can have the procedure under local anaesthesia during the consultation. Otherwise, it has to be done under sedation or general anaesthesia in the day surgery centre or hospital.

The downtime for the procedure is about 3 days with minimal swelling, and the final stitches will be removed around 10 days. Dr Marco advises children to wear an elastic binder (like those sweatbands that tennis player wears or hair bands for ladies) for at least a month or two, depending on individual cases. It’s also best used during sleep time.

To learn more about otoplasty, contact us at:
Dr Marco Faria-Correa Plastic Surgery
Tel: +65 64648075
E-mail: enquiry@drmarco.com
Web: www.drmarco.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your plastic surgeon or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Always speak to your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a procedure.

If you dream of having plastic surgery done and think you know everything you need to be aware of, think again.

After searching through multiple websites, reading hundreds of online forums and blog pages, browsing all sorts of magazines, and asking everyone who is the best plastic surgeon, do you get the final answer you’re looking for?

Searching for the right plastic surgeon is, perhaps, like how a lady will take her time to choose and inspect her very first Birkin.

Choosing the right plastic surgeon requires you to know a few important pointers.

1. Credentials and Memberships

Do your research! Have you done your homework and know what qualifications they have? Do you know where they were trained, the type of training they have undergone, including their specializations? Do you know how many successful cases they have done?

In Singapore, the plastic surgeon must be registered with the Ministry of Health and a member of the Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons.

On top of local registrations and accreditations, the surgeon should be registered as a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and also the International Confederation of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons. Memberships in these organizations require peer acceptance based on following a strict code of conduct for quality, safety, and ethics.

The plastic surgeon should also be attending and presenting papers at international conferences regularly, as well as keeping up to date with the latest techniques to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.

2. Experiences and Reputation

These certifications and memberships don’t account for everything. For a plastic surgeon, experience should be on top of what you should look for. Ask the doctor about their experiences, including the number of successful cases they have done. Check their reputation in the industry.

3. Facility Use and Hospital Privileges

A competent plastic surgeon knows the type of facility to use for specific procedures. They must have accreditation with a hospital where they can perform more complex procedures.

4. Thoroughness and Rapport

During the consultation, get all the needed information for your procedure. The surgeon should give you all your answers and allow you to clear any doubts. They should ensure that you have understood and know what you are undergoing and all potential risks, complications, and expected results.  If you do not feel comfortable with your surgeon, do not commit to the surgical procedure. Continue your search.

Choosing the right plastic surgeon will take time. If you do not feel comfortable after you have gone to the selected one, don’t settle! Do not jump into what is convenient for you and make a hasty decision.

To learn more about selecting your plastic surgeon, do contact us at:
Dr Marco Faria-Correa Plastic Surgery
Tel: +65 64648075
E-mail: enquiry@drmarco.com
Web: www.drmarco.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your plastic surgeon or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Always speak to your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a procedure.