Protruding ears on child, considering corrective surgery?

Question

Here's the scoop. My 5 yr old son has protruding ears, excessively. I've always shrugged it off thinking he'll grow into them or whatever. I was not sure he would even be teased. Then last weekend an incident happened which most parents dread. He was being taunted at the park repeatedly being called "Dumbo" by a group of peers.

The thought had crossed my mind a few times to ask about corrective ear surgery. I've done some research and it is indeed considered a congenital deformity. How would I bring this up to his doctor without sounding shallow? Shouldn't I try to get him this surgery since the effect of psychological trauma would be horrible? I cannot picture him going into kindergarten next year being teased so cruelly. =(

Has anyone else been in the same boat? How did you go about it?

Answer 1

My hubby had his ears done at around twelve years of age. he too, endured the taunting as a child and was relieved when he got his ears pulled back. I anticpiated having to do this with my son, and his doctor told me that around ten to twelve years old is generally a good time to get them done, as the ears can sometimes "catch up" with the growth of the head, thereby appearing to become proportionate. This is evident in many a yearbook picture of various children.  My doctor also stated that if you do have corrective surgery on te ear too early, some people have found that they had to repeat the process, so get all the facts before making a decision. Blessings to you and your little one; lets hope that these parents start taking more of an interest in how their children are treating other children they associate with.

Answer 2

My mother had a ear like this that stuck out very, very very badly as well.  They had it pinned back when she was a little over 5 as well.  Looking back at pictures it became evident that even at a young age, she always turned her head to one side to block the ear from being in photos, or really being seen by people.  

This is not shallow, your son already doesn't like the way his ears are.  Have your son evaluated by your doctor to see if this is something that may correct himself as he gets older, or if surgery is the only way to prevent them from sticking out so badly.  Your first step is talking to your pediatrician about it, and then from there he should be able to recommend a surgeon for you to have an evaluation with as well.

Answer 3

no doctor will ever do it that early

Answer 4

Just something to think about: general anesthesia always carries a risk. While the risk is small, there is still a chance that your child could die under the anesthesia. So ask yourself, is this issue really worth dying for?

Answer 5

Take him to a plastic surgeon.  If he's getting teased in school, and you can do something about it, then do it.  Just keep in mind that, once his ears aren't huge, the kids will probably find something else to tease him about.  It's part of growing up and can't be avoided entirely.  My son had really big ears, and got teased about it.  I asked him if it bothered him and he said, "No, they pick on everyone about something.  I looked at my ears, they aren't THAT big.  I'll grow into them."  Ah, the wisdom of youth.  By the way, he did grow into them, kindof.  They are still on the large side, but not enormous.

Answer 6

That's so cute.  Why wreck his natural buety?  One of my boys has monkey ears too.  It isn't worth having him go under the knife for to fix.  If little "Dumbo" wants to have them fixed he should wait until he's 18 and done growing.

Answer 7

let his hair grow longer. If it isn't a big deal to you, it won't be for him. I believe he is to young for surgery. Tell him God made him that way.  If it is still a big deal later they can "pin " them back. Good luck. I know teasing can be tough!!!

Answer 8

Please get them fixed. i never had mine done and I hated dealing with the teasing. It was easier for me as a girl I could wear long hair. Hair pulled behind the ear camouflages a lot.

I was Dumbo, a taxi cab with both doors open, on and on.

Good luck.

Answer 9

I don't share this problem, but if I did, I would definitely consider surgery.  There's the teasing issue in childhood and the basic handsomeness issue as an adult later on.  Don't worry about sounding shallow; just emphasize that you are concerned about the effect your son's protruding ears has on his well-being.  Be sure to tell the doctor that you are fine with waiting until the right age, etc., but that you're interested in the surgery because it seems like a good solution to an unnecessary problem.  In the meantime, consider letting his hair grow a little longer (not too long, since then he will have another bothersome issue on his hands) and let him wear a cool baseball cap when possible.

Answer 10

The doctors are going to tell you that he's too young to have this surgery, ears "grow" throughout your lifetime, the most progressive growth is in your sons age group. I was very very short and was taunted until I reached puberty, so I know how teasing can have a long lasting effect on a person, wait until your sons voice changes, he hits puberty, and then give him the option if he finds his ears to be a hindrance in making friends...And shame on those parents for allowing other kids to taunt a baby of your sons age...

Answer 11

It hasn't happened to us, but I woud absolutely have surgery done if my child had a correctable problem like this... And the sooner the better.. Why have a child go through childhood being teased or feeling different if it isn't necessary? (mom of five)

Answer 12

My friends daughter had her ears fixed at 5yrs old.

The Dr said it was best to get them done at that age before other children started to notice.

It was a simple Op and the results are brilliant.

We are in the UK so it was done on the National Heath (we get free medical treatment here)

Answer 13

My cousin had his done at seven as he was really really self conscious about it, he wouldnt even take his hat off in public. now that he has them pinned he is a very happy and confident kid.

Answer 14

I know that you don't want your son to be teased, but all kids are teased occasionally about something. Teaching him to deal with the teasing by not reacting and by acting confident is the healthiest thing to do.

Changing his ears may stop the kids from saying 'Dumbo' but it will not stop them from picking on something else. Whether or not you decide  to opt for surgery is up to you and you son (I personally wouldn't) But in the meantime, you still need to teach him life lessons and how to cope with the cruelty of the world, which, let's be honest, hurts, and doesn't go away with age.

I would want to teach my son not to change for the world-- to be himself and confident in that.