Question
Can pediatric external ear deformity be treated?
Answer
The best age for surgical treatment of pediatric external ear deformity is generally suggested to be after the age of school entry and before the onset of puberty, approximately between 6 and 14 years old. Surgery at a too young age may result in changes in the shape of the reconstructed ear due to insufficient rib cartilage development and body changes. On the other hand, surgery at an older age may have adverse effects on the carving of the external ear reconstruction frame and the maintenance of its later shape due to changes in rib cartilage texture.