Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
Why choose Ochsner Health for pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery care?
The pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery team sees patients in New Orleans, Mandeville, Covington and Slidell, Louisiana, as well as Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Plastic and reconstructive surgery isn’t just for improving someone’s appearance. It can improve basic aspects of a child’s life, such as eating, talking and getting dressed. Plastic and reconstructive surgery may also help a child feel better about the way they look and boost their confidence. Ochsner Children's Hospital offers world-class pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery care for conditions or injuries that affect your child’s appearance or ability to perform daily activities.
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Ochsner Children's Hospital as one of the top 50 children’s hospitals in the United States. Our surgery team has the talent, expertise and experience to help kids lead healthier, happier lives.
Who are the pediatric plastic surgeons at Ochsner?
Dr. Michael Friel
Michael Friel, MD, is a double-fellowship-trained, triple-board-certified pediatric plastic surgeon and a leader in cleft and craniofacial care. He is one of the region’s most experienced surgeons…
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Dr. Idorenyin Ndem
Idorenyin Ndem, MD, is a pediatric plastic surgeon at Ochsner Health. She provides care for a wide range of plastic surgery needs in children, with particular expertise in comprehensive cleft care,…
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Ochsner’s pediatric plastic surgery team collaborates closely with other pediatric specialists to create personalized treatment plans for children with complex conditions. Together, they bring decades of advanced training and experience to support your child’s health and recovery. When surgery is needed, pediatric anesthesiologists are on hand to ensure your child’s comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
What makes our pediatric plastic surgery program world-class?
From the first nurse who welcomes your child to the team member who helps you head home, you’re supported by a team dedicated to caring for children and families. Most plastic and reconstructive surgeries are performed at Ochsner Children’s Hospital and at two partner hospitals within 250 miles of New Orleans. When appropriate, we offer virtual visits with a pediatric plastic surgeon to reduce the need for travel and make care more convenient for your family.
Whether we meet before birth or during childhood, you can count on Dr. Friel and Dr. Ndem to guide your child through diagnosis, surgery and follow-up care. Ochsner pediatric plastic surgeons work closely with a team of specialists to ensure every aspect of your child’s health is supported.
What minimally invasive techniques are used in pediatric plastic surgery?
We offer advanced, minimally invasive options, including cranial vault reconstruction for babies with craniosynostosis, a condition where the skull bones fuse too early. One approach, called minimal access strip craniectomy, lowers the need for a blood transfusion and often allows infants to return home just two days after surgery.
For newborns with ear deformities, early treatment using a gentle ear molding device, ideally within the first few weeks of life, can help shape the ear and may prevent the need for surgery later on.
What conditions do Ochsner pediatric plastic surgeons treat?
Conditions we treat:
- Cleft lip or cleft palate repair
- Abnormal head shapes, including plagiocephaly and genetic conditions like Apert and Noonan syndromes
- Birthmarks that affect appearance or interfere with eating, breathing or vision
- Breast and body image concerns, such as the size or shape of the breasts, nose or ears
- Hand conditions, including trigger finger, polydactyly (extra fingers or toes) and injuries
- Facial differences, such as jaw issues and misshapen ears
- Skin conditions, including moles, cysts, lesions, skin tags and vascular anomalies
- Wounds, burns and scars caused by injuries or animal bites
Services we offer:
- Cleft lip or cleft palate repair
- Breast reduction and symmetry procedures
- Cranial vault surgery and midface surgery
- Ear molding
- Microsurgery
- Nerve reconstruction
- Scar revision
What additional services are offered in pediatric plastic surgery?
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Breast reduction for teens and adolescents
For teens with very large breasts, the weight can cause neck, back and shoulder pain, skin irritation and posture problems. These symptoms can make it hard to play sports, sit comfortably or enjoy daily life. Breast reduction removes extra tissue to ease discomfort and improve movement.
The surgery can also help teens feel better emotionally. Large breasts may cause self-consciousness, bullying or anxiety. Many young women report feeling more confident and comfortable in their bodies after surgery. When done for medical reasons, this procedure can greatly improve a teen’s quality of life.
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Infant ear molding
Infant ear molding is a non-surgical treatment that gently reshapes a newborn’s ears using soft, custom molds. It works best when started in the first few weeks of life, when ear cartilage is still soft. This painless procedure can correct common newborn ear deformities like prominent ears, lop ear or Stahl’s ear, often in just a few weeks.
Parents choose newborn ear molding to avoid surgery later in childhood. The success rate is as high as 90% when treatment begins early. It also helps prevent problems wearing glasses or hearing aids and supports normal ear development.
Beyond physical benefits, infant ear molding helps children avoid teasing or self-esteem issues linked to ear differences. Many families say they’re highly satisfied with this simple, low-risk treatment that gives long-lasting cosmetic and emotional benefits.
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Craniosynostosis surgery
Craniosynostosis surgery treats a condition where a baby’s skull bones fuse too early, affecting head shape and brain growth. Without treatment, this can lead to pressure on the brain or developmental delays. Common procedures include endoscopic strip craniectomy and cranial vault remodeling, both designed to allow the skull to grow normally.
Endoscopic surgery is less invasive and done early, usually by 3 to 4 months of age, followed by helmet therapy. Cranial vault remodeling is performed around 6 to 12 months and reshapes the skull for improved appearance and brain development. Both options have high success rates and low complication risks when done at experienced centers.
Early surgical treatment for craniosynostosis not only corrects head shape but can boost confidence, reduce social stigma, and support healthy cognitive growth. With early care, children can thrive both physically and emotionally.
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Cleft lip and palate care
Our comprehensive cleft lip and palate team is here to help.
What are patients saying about pediatric plastic surgery at Ochsner?
"I can’t say enough about the care my child received at Ochsner Children’s. From the moment we arrived, the entire team made us feel supported and reassured. As a mom, I was anxious about my child having surgery, but every nurse, doctor and specialist took the time to explain what to expect and answered every question with patience and compassion. Dr. Friel made us feel confident and cared for, and I knew my child was in the best hands possible."
Ashley M., mother of pediatric plastic surgery patient