Pediatric Services

Syndactyly is a condition in which two or more fingers or toes are fused together. Syndactyly is a fairly common congenital defect that often runs in families and occurs in about 1 in 2,500 babies. About half of the time both hands are affected, and the most common fusion site is between the middle and ring fingers.

Surgical treatment is recommended for syndactyly. Follow-up with a physical or occupational therapist may be recommended as part of the treatment plan.

Dr. Chiasson has experience treating simple to complex forms of syndactyly. Please call the office at 225-269-2610 for an evaluation.

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is performed to correct a deformity or improve appearance. Children with overly protruding, “sticking out” ears may be subjected to teasing or even bullying. Such events can negatively impact a child’s confidence, emotional well-being, and behavior. Surgical reshaping of the ear in childhood provides relief that is long-lasting.

Prominent ears may run in families and affect about 5% of the population. The appearance may be a result of the over or under-development of the cartilage that gives the ear its shape. The corrective technique will vary according to the correction needed. Incisions are usually placed in the back of the ear or possibly hidden within the inner creases of the front of the ear. This is an out-patient operation performed under general anesthesia. In general, it is advised to postpone surgery until the ear is near full growth. This is usually around the age of 5.

After surgery, the ears are carefully protected by bulking surgical dressings and a headwrap. Minor bleeding may occur. Post-operative care includes cleaning the incision and application of an ointment. Your child will sleep in a headband for 6 weeks after surgery.

A congenital nevus (plural is nevi) is simply a mole you are born with. Nevi are very common birthmarks, and most are not harmful. Removal in childhood is recommended for those producing functional problems such as obstruction, those that are large, producing an unwanted appearance, or those exhibiting cancerous or pre-cancerous changes.

Regular skin checks are recommended for children with large or giant nevi. Very large nevi may require several operative treatments to be fully removed. Dr. Chiasson will work with you and your child’s pediatrician to create an optimum treatment plan.

Cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, affects one in 700 babies annually and is the fourth most common birth defect in the United States. Cleft lip and palate can occur on one or both sides of the mouth. The baby may be born with a cleft of the lip or palate only or both together. The cleft may be total or partial. Ideally, children with clefts benefit from the services of pediatric dentists and orthodontists, speech pathologists, and a plastic surgeon for optimal care.

The lip is typically repaired at 3 months of age and the palate at 10 months of age. Both require general anesthesia. The lip repair can be done as an outpatient and the palate repair will require an overnight stay.

Dr. Chiasson has a strong interest in caring for children with clefts and appreciates an early consultation so as to be an important part of the treatment team.