Question:
My 8-year-old son is constantly teased because of his large ears. He wants to have surgery, but I feel that he is too young, is still growing, and may regret having surgery in the future. What can I say to him to deter him from wanting this?
Answer:
You are the parent and so the decision is yours. Your concerns about his age and growth are not warranted however. Otoplasty, ear surgery, is safe to perform on children at age four. Eight is a perfectly acceptable age. You will have to decide whether the ongoing teasing is something you choose to deal with or whether fixing the ears will eliminate the teasing and make your son happy.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
