Children are not small adults, and a plan that suits a five-year-old may need to change by fifteen. Paediatric plastic surgery addresses conditions present from birth and injuries in childhood, with timing chosen around growth, feeding, speech, schooling and the child's own wellbeing.

The paediatric plastic surgery service at Apex works with parents at every stage of their child's care. The team explains what can be done now, what is better left until the child is older and what the child may need along the way. Cleft treatment, for example, usually continues across several years, and a child may also need speech therapy, hearing checks, dental care and ENT review.

Risks vary with the condition and operation and include infection, scarring, problems with wound healing and the possibility of further surgery as the child grows. Anaesthesia in young children is planned with particular care.

Apex provides paediatric plastic surgery for common congenital and acquired conditions:

• Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Apex performs staged repair with follow-up as the child grows.
• Congenital Hand Differences: Apex treats hand differences present from birth.
• Burn Scars and Contractures in Children: Apex releases and reconstructs burn contractures, adjusting for growth.
• Facial Birth Differences: Apex treats conditions such as hemifacial atrophy.
• Childhood Injuries: Apex repairs injuries to the face and hands in children.