The issue of bullying, both online and in school, has come to the forefront in recent months. As parents and school officials struggle to come up with ways to curb incidences of bullying, one group of professionals who are lending a hand to kids in need may come as a bit of a surprise - plastic surgeons. CNN tells the story of one teen who recently received free plastic surgery to pin back her prominent ears.

Nadia Isle, a 14-year-old student, was harassed by other students at her school because of her ears, which stuck out dramatically from the side of her head. The abuse started back in first grade, and it caused the once talkative and outgoing girl to become reserved and shy.

At age 10, Nadia asked her mom if she could have surgery to pin back her ears, known as otoplasty. Eager to help her daughter, her mother began researching procedures and came across the Little Baby Face Foundation, which provides free plastic surgery for kids in need.

The organization flew Nadia and her mother from their home in Georgia to New York so she could undergo the procedure. However, during the consultation with the doctor, he suggested that she receive an additional procedure to square out her chin and to straighten out her nose. According to the surgeon, once her ears were pinned back these other features of her face would be more pronounced.

Some people may question such extensive plastic surgery on a young person of Nadia's age. For patients of any age, doing plenty of research before going under the knife, and having a thorough consultation with the board-certified plastic surgeon who will be conducting the surgery, is essential.

Plastic surgery has been shown to improve self-confidence among patients. A 2007 study published in the journal Plastic Surgical Nursing found that women undergoing breast augmentation reported boosts in self-esteem and sexual satisfaction after the procedure, reports PsychCentral.

"Many individuals, including health care providers, have preconceived negative ideas about those who elect to have plastic surgery, without fully understanding the benefits that may occur from these procedures," researcher Cynthia Figueroa-Haas told the news source.