Has anyone with Down's Syndrome used the advances of cosmetic surgery to correct the facial markings of DS?

I was wondering if anyone has used cosmetic surgery to correct the facial trademarks of Down's Syndrome. This would not only allow the natural features of the individual to come through, but it might also eliminate the discrimination and stereotyping that often accompanies DS.Has anyone with Down's Syndrome used the advances of cosmetic surgery to correct the facial markings of DS?
Are you referring to the almond-shaped and upward-slanting eyes, the rather flat facial profile, the unusually-shaped ears, the small, flat-bridged nose, and protruding tongue? I've never heard of anyone with this disorder resorting to cosmetic surgery to improve ones appearance. There are numerous surgical procedures, however, to alter almond-shaped eyes, ear shape, etc. But the young men and women that I have encountered are not self-conscious of their appearance--even those that are high-functioning, independent and productive.


P.S. -- You sparked my interest in looking further into this subject and this is part of what I found:





Facial Reconstruction in those with Down's


The immediate goal of reconstructive surgery is to improve the appearance of the face. Surgical procedures used toward this goal include partial resection of the tongue, correction of the down-turned lip, lifting of the nasal bridge, removal of fat from the neck, placing implants in the zygomatic bones (cheeks), removing the epicanthal folds and making the palpebral fissures more horizontal. Several studies have been published by surgeons showing approval by parents of the results of plastic surgery. However, one of these studies also showed that independent raters found no improvement in appearance.


The purpose of the surgery, however, is not merely to improve appearance but to improve social acceptance of people with Down syndrome. One study has suggested that people with Down syndrome are subject to decreased acceptance by their peers on the basis of facial features alone. The argument on behalf of facial reconstruction states that as parental expectations for school achievement and job opportunities increase, that modifying the face (along with the conventional therapies) can increase the opportunities for success in society.





It does appear to be true that, after facial reconstruction, parents have been pleased with the resulting change of appearance of their child. However, studies have not demonstrated any significant impact of the change in facial appearance on the children's social functioning. Further, some studies have disputed the notion that the appearance of children with Down syndrome has a deleterious affect on how they are perceived.





Tongue Reduction in those with Down's


Children with Down syndrome often have an open mouth and protruding tongue, though this appears to be worse in early childhood. The protruding tongue is due to a combination of several factors: a smaller than average oral cavity, enlargement of the portion of the tongue that lies near the tonsils, and a lack of muscle tone of the tongue. Tongue reduction, also called a ';partial glossectomy,'; consists of removing a wedge of tongue to make it smaller and shorter. Some doctors recommend it for aesthetic reasons, as it helps the child keep his or her mouth closed while breathing and eating. Certainly mouth-breathing can be detrimental, causing increased drooling and pushing forward the lower profile of the face and teeth. However, the most frequent motivation for this surgery seems to be the hope that it can improve speech intelligibility of the child with Down syndrome.





There are no simple answers to this controversy.Has anyone with Down's Syndrome used the advances of cosmetic surgery to correct the facial markings of DS?
As the mom to a beautiful boy with Down syndrome, I find the idea of altering his face in any way abhorent. I'm sick to death of people who are so hung up on plastic surgery and the need to look ';perfect';. My child's face is gorgeous and perfect the way it is. Plastic surgery is just that...PLASTIC. People look artificial and pathetic when it's done for vanity. Children with Down syndrome are not deformed...if plastic surgery was medically necessary for some reason, perhaps then it is justified...if it's just to make society more comfortable with one's appearance, than it's just sick.





Just had to add...





Given that any invasive surgery, or surgery requiring a general anesthesia carries with it a risk of fatality, what kind of parent would I said ';I am willing to risk my child's life to make them look more socially acceptable (whatever that is)';????





Furthermore, what message would I be giving my child (my child who is capable of understanding anything that any other person can undertand). I'd be telling them that they are not okay as they are. That THEY must change to be accepted. That there is something wrong with THEM, and that what other people think is more important than anything.





I won't do that. I am raising my son to accept himself as he is. To accept that all people are different in some way and that if people are cruel, it's their problem, not my son's. I want him to feel good about himself the way he is and not feel he has to apologize or conform.





Make no mistake...people with Down syndrome are fully aware and have great understanding of things. This isn't a case of giving them surgery and they'll never know. Any parent who would unnecesarily put their child's life, or self-esteem at risk to conform to societal standards is not doing it for the good of the child.
Cosmetic surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her breast reduction, tummy tuck and facelift surgery in India by the company called Forerunners Healthcare .The Price for the surgery she paid in India was very less. She paid 30% of the cost she was quoted in America.





Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. They arrange cosmetic and plastic surgery for foreigners in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low price, as the breast reduction, tummy tuck, facelift and other cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.





http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com


Hope this helps.
I think most people with Down's have more sense then to worry about getting plastic surgery. They accept themselves.