Can Otoplasty Be Performed on a 10-Year-Old Child?

Thanks for the question. 85% of the ear development is completed at the age of 3 and 93% at the age of 10. Because of that, this process can be carried out in the preschool period without the child having a social trauma. I wish you all the best.

Thank you for your question. Absolutely, your
child’s ear has developed sufficiently at this point to accommodate a surgical
procedure such as otoplasty to recontour her ears and make them less prominent.
As others have mentioned, the surgery can be performed on children aged 4 and
older. For younger children, the procedure is actually performed under general
anesthesia in an ambulatory surgical center as they would be unable to tolerate
an office-based intervention under local anesthesia, and would need additional
monitoring with oral sedation that often times cannot be provided in the office
setting. A consultation with an expert in facial plastic surgery will allow for
a proper assessment of your child’s individual needs.

An Otoplasty can definitely be performed on a 10 year old child.  The lower limit is about 6 years of age and the procedure is commonly done on children.  Often times the procedure can be done before the child starts school to avoid teasing, but it is OK to wait and discuss it with your child as well to make sure it is something he or she wants.  Having it performed under general anesthesia is best to avoid the child waking up or moving during the procedure.  Be sure to see a board certified plastic or facial plastic surgeon who performs a lot of these procedures.