Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones Reunited with Former Haitian Patient at Childspring International Gala
Recently, Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones of Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists was the guest of honor at the 2012 Childspring International Gala, reuniting him with a former child ear surgery patient from Haiti.
At the 2012 Childspring International Gala, Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones was the guest of honor along with his former patient, Herbie, who he had treated thirteen years ago for microtia. Herbie has become an accomplished young man serving his community.
Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones is an Atlanta plastic surgeon who has devoted much of his career to correcting congenital deformities such as cleft palate and microtia. In 1999, Childspring International approached Dr. Jones about Herbie, a child in Haiti who was born without ears (bi-lateral microtia).
Childspring International is a faith-based children’s medical charity that provides medical treatment and opportunities for children across the globe. Their mission involves healing children physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. They have a goal of helping 5,000 children by the year 2020.
When Dr. Jones was first presented with Herbie’s case, he instantly felt a connection and agreed to help. Childspring arranged airfare, travel documents, and a local family to host Herbie for his ear surgery. As a leading expert in ear reconstruction, Dr. Jones felt confident that he could help Herbie and pave the way towards a better life for him.
“Here was this 8 or 9 year old boy, completely deaf, living in a Christian school for children with disabilities in Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world. He was stigmatized by his disability. Some people are very superstitious and elders referred to him as the “snake boy” since he had no ears. It was heartbreaking,” explained Dr. Jones.
A total ear reconstruction such as Herbie’s required five separate surgeries to complete the process. Herbie was flown to Atlanta from Haiti for each operation and grew to have a lifelong relationship with his host family. With additional surgery to create an ear canal and eardrum and with the aid of a BAHA (bone anchoring hearing device), Herbie’s hearing is now within a normal range.
“Herbie is a wonderfully charming young man. He now speaks English & French as well as sign language and works as an interpreter for an American Aid Association in Haiti. I’m very proud of him, and it’s gratifying to have contributed in helping him to becoming a leader in his community,” Dr. Jones said.
Dr. Jones has performed over 300 ear reconstruction surgeries and is known as a leading expert in the field of microtia repair. He is board certified in plastic surgery as well as otolaryngology (ENT or Ear, Nose and Throat). He has twenty years of experience as well as an impressive educational background and trained at leading facilities in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Jones’s unique credentials allow him to focus on the aesthetics as well as the functionality of ear reconstruction surgery.
Standard Rib Graft technique has become the gold standard for microtia repair. It’s the preferred method over implants or prosthetics for several reasons. The main advantage of ear reconstruction surgery is that the ear is created from the patient’s own tissue. Surgery generally begins around age 5 or 6. With an ear constructed from rib cartilage, there won’t be rejection or extrusion issues. It is also much less susceptible to infection. While plastic ear implants can be done on children as young as three, these devices are much more susceptible to infections, rejection and healing issues.
Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones and the long term staff at Atlanta Plastic Surgery Consultants are experienced in helping parents of young children with microtia through the surgical process. Many patients come to us from out of town and we can help you find accommodations, dining, and entertainment for your family while in the Atlanta area.
About Dr. Jones
Dr. Jones earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University in Chemistry and Pre-Med. He attended the University of Canterbury in New Zealand for Medical Business Administration and Oxford University in England where he obtained an additional Bachelors & Master’s degree in Medical Physiology and Research. Dr. Jones returned to the U.S. and did his residency at John Hopkins University in ENT and Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Jones completed a Fulbright Fellowship in Plastic Surgery in Paris, France and completed a second Residency in Plastic Surgery at Stanford University.
Dr. Jones has the unique distinction of holding dual board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat; ENT) and over 20 years of experience. This makes him uniquely qualified to not only enhance the aesthetic, but also the natural functionality of the body.
Mark Mitchell Jones MD, F.A.C.S
Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C.
2001 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 630
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 355-3566
This article is available in full in the PRWeb archives at http://www.prweb.com/releases/microtia/atlanta/prweb10015977.htm