Patient's question:
Left ear deformity with an earlobeDoctor's answer:
To ensure the child's physical and mental health is not affected, the surgery should ideally be completed before the child starts school. The best age for the surgery is generally between 6 years old and before the onset of puberty (around 14 years old). If the child is too young, it may be difficult to obtain sufficient autologous costal cartilage due to its underdeveloped size. Additionally, growth and development changes may lead to variations in the reconstructed ear's shape and potential chest deformities. However, it is also important not to wait too long to have the surgery. As the child ages, the quality of the rib cartilage changes, which can affect the carving of the external ear framework and the long-term maintenance of its shape.