Considering plastic surgery for your child can be extremely daunting, especially when it’s on their face. But, seeking surgical intervention for congenital conditions, such as cleft lip and palate, is not only necessary in some cases but builds their confidence for the future.
Dr Chang is considered a specialist in this field due to her paediatric interest and training, caring manner and meticulous surgical technique. She’s one of very few paediatric plastic surgeons to hold a prestigious VMO position at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.
From cleft lip/palate surgery to bone grafts and cleft rhinoplasty, learn more about the procedures paediatric plastic surgeon Dr Chang offers from her private clinic and hospitals across Sydney.
Around one baby in every 800 in Australia is born with a cleft lip or palate, a congenital condition characterised by a gap in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate). Congenital cleft lip can be an aesthetic and functional challenge, and cleft palate can affect how a child eats, speaks and breathes.
Cleft lip and palate surgery is performed under general anaesthesia at specialist paediatric hospitals. Dr Chang routinely performs this surgery at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Her precision-driven approach to surgery will ensure the best possible outcome for your child.
Velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) surgery is designed to correct a condition in which there’s inadequate closure or function of the velopharyngeal sphincter, a complex anatomical structure at the junction between the soft palate (velum) and the back of the throat (pharynx).
The velopharyngeal sphincter plays a crucial role in speech by preventing air and sound from escaping through the nose during certain sounds in speech production. It also prevents nasal regurgitation of food and fluids when the child eats and drinks. The type of procedure Dr Chang performs will depend on the child’s specific requirements. It’s done at Children’s Hospital at Westmead, with the multidisciplinary input of the cleft lip and palate team.
Revisional cleft surgery is for adults who want to address specific issues or concerns that have arisen since receiving cleft surgery as a child. This could be due to incomplete correction, changes in facial anatomy, visible scars, functional issues or aesthetic refinement.
The type of procedure we offer varies depending on your specific needs and goals. It may include revision of the original cleft lip repair at the time of cleft rhinoplasty. A rib cartilage graft is often required to correct the cleft nose deformity. The outcome of cleft rhinoplasty can be transformative, leading to increased confidence.
Alveolar bone grafting (ABG) surgery is for children who are born with a cleft affecting the alveolus (the bony ridge that supports the teeth). Dr Chang commonly carries out this procedure as part of the comprehensive treatment for children born with a cleft lip and/or palate when they reach appropriate dental maturity between the ages of 8 and 10.
Small amounts of bone graft are harvested from the hip area without affecting the child’s skeletal development. This is used to fill in the gap in the alveolar ridge. The bone graft fuses with the surrounding bone over a few months.
People with cleft lip also present with congenital nasal deformities, which can impact their appearance and self-esteem and often affect their breathing. Cleft rhinoplasty surgery aims to correct this to achieve a normal, more balanced shape.
This procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. It involves making incisions inside and/or on the rim of the nostrils, and the nasal structures are repositioned and reshaped. Dr Chang often uses cartilage grafts to provide additional support and correction.
Dr Alice Chang is a highly qualified and specially trained plastic surgeon. She has a strong reputation for her caring bedside manner, excellent clinical skills and meticulous operating technique.
Are you ready to discuss your goals and find out more about your chosen procedure and whether it’s suitable for you? Contact our team to book a consultation with specialist plastic and skin cancer surgeon Dr Chang.
Suite 5
1-5 Mandolong Road
Mosman NSW 2088
Suite 604, Level 6
35 Spring Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
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