What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the Division of Plastic Surgery

Children come to the Division of Plastic Surgery for a variety of reasons. Our multidisciplinary team provides state-of-the-art-treatment plans and surgical repair or reconstruction for children and adolescents with any of these conditions:

• Brachial plexus (spinal cord) injury
• Hand abnormalities, including webbed fingers and club hand
• Hand trauma, including cyst removal
• Capillary malformations or port wine stains
• Facial trauma or malformations, including cleft lip, jaw abnormalities, and Treacher Collins syndrome
• Skull abnormalities, including craniosynostosis
• Limb trauma and salvage
• Nasal reconstruction or repair
• Ear reconstruction or repair
• Plagiocephaly (flattened head)
• Soft tissue (moles, cysts) removal
• Breast reduction or reconstruction
• Burn reconstruction

As you can see, we offer a complete spectrum of pediatric plastic surgery services. Our doctors understand the unique requirements and complexities of performing surgery on growing children and are the most skilled, experienced surgeons and care providers available.

We also offer online second opinions for patients and families who live in the United States but beyond the Greater Cincinnati area (southeast Ohio, southwest Indiana, and northern Kentucky). The process is easy and convenient, and a case manager will guide you through the entire process. Request an online second opinion.

We promise to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care to every child and every condition. We'll work closely with you and your child to ensure that you fully understand and are comfortable with every surgery and treatment plan. Our focus is to give your child the best possible results.

Learn more about what you can expect at your child’s first appointment with us – and how we’re here to help.

Making an Appointment at the Division of Plastic Surgery

To schedule an appointment with a doctor or care provider at the Division of Plastic Surgery, contact us directly or contact one of our specialized services.

Schedule your child’s appointment.

Preparing for Your Visit

If you do not have a referral, please let our staff know. We will work with you to obtain a referral so your child is seen promptly.

To maximize your time with the doctor, please make sure to bring the following information to your first visit.

• Appointment information, including the doctor’s name and the office location
• Family or referring doctor’s information
• Medical history
• Type and timing of symptoms
• Diagnosis (past and current)
• Treatment to date
• Medications your child is taking
• Medical imaging (if performed outside of Cincinnati Children’s)
• CT scans (CAT scans)
• MRIs
• X-rays
• Ultrasounds
• Laboratory tests
• Reason for visiting
• Insurance information
• Policy number
• Group number
• Any necessary referrals (check with your insurance company)

Please feel free to bring any item that will make your child more comfortable during the visit.

On the Day of Your Visit to the Division of Plastic Surgery

We want you and your child to feel comfortable and prepared for your visit. Here are some things to know that will help.

The length of the visit will vary depending on the complexity of your child’s condition and the services they may need. Allow yourself extra time if you will be visiting several members of our treatment team. We will spend as much time as needed with you and your child to provide the best care.

Please know that families are seen in order of their appointment times and not in the order they arrive.

Our Child Life specialists will be on hand to assist you and your child during the visit.

Please contact us if you are running late for your appointment or need to reschedule.

After Your Visit to the Division of Plastic Surgery

If your child needs surgery, your next step would be to schedule a consult visit with the surgeon. It is essential for the surgeon to personally evaluate your child to determine the most appropriate plan of care. Once your surgeon examines your child, the surgical coordinator will arrange a surgery date based on the severity of your child’s condition and the availability of your surgeon.

Our doctors and care providers are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns. In addition, the Family Resource Center is also available to you. The staff at the Resource Center will listen to your needs and offer comprehensive, up-to-date information about your child’s diagnosis or condition.