Prominent Ears / Bat Ears

Kids are very aware if they look different to others. Prominent ears can lead to teasing and distress. Surgery to make the ears look normal is called otoplasty. Though it is considered cosmetic it is covered in part by Medicare. However the government insists on a 3 month cooling off period between the initial consultation and surgery. Kids are eligible for surgery around 5 years of age, or when the ear is 85% grown.

Otoplasty is day surgery but takes 4 hours. The kids go home with a head bandage. This is removed 5-7 days later. The ears are not painful but the bandage can be hot and itchy.

Kids are so thrilled when the bandage is removed and they look normal. Older kids often wish they had had their surgery performed at school entry.

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