In addition, it is easier for the surgeon to use the child's normal ear as a model for the size and shape of the reconstructed ear when the child is five or seven years old.
As of 2003, there is some debate among plastic surgeons concerning the best age for performing a setback otoplasty. Many recommend the operation when the child is between five and seven years old.
One reason is that the human ear has attained 85-90% of its adult size by this age, and therefore the surgeon can estimate the final size and shape of the ear with considerable accuracy.
Otoplasty to correct microtia is usually started when the child is at least five years old.
It depends on the age and build of the child.
Seven years of age.
Another reason for performing an otoplasty in children in the early elementary school years is psychological; name-calling and teasing by peers can be emotionally destructive for children in this age bracket.
They start school at the age of seven.
It is the only type of plastic surgery that is performed more often in children than adults.
The surgeon must remove a portion of rib cartilage in order to construct a framework for the missing ear, and children younger than five may not have enough cartilage.
Seven
the 4 to 8 years in the child' life are most crucial as it is during this period the rate of development is faster.
The ideal weight for a child is related to height and body composition rather (rather than age). For more information about weight in relation to height, and to see the distribution of weights and heights of children at various stages, please see the page link, further down this page, listed under Related Questions.