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May 21, 2021

78 Comments

Should I let my 10-year old get his ears pinned back due to bullying?

Sharing on #momanswers,  the concerned mum wrote, “YIKES! My ten-year old son has asked if he can get his ears pinned back.

“His ears have always been a bit sticky-outy but we’ve never made a big deal about this. But I think he’s getting teased at school and it’s really bothering him.

“He just seems so young to have any kind of cosmetic surgery.

“I am absolutely torn. What should I do? Would you let him do it? Anyone else gone through this procedure?”

Mums share their opinions

Mums definitely had no hesitation in saying YES get it fixed now!

Helen shared, “My hubby had this done when he was very young, 10-12 years old (not 100% sure). He never regretted it and always said it was best thing he did.”

Jan shared, “Our sons were done when he was about 7. Unfortunately due to having to wear compulsory school hats through primary school one ear wasn’t totally successful. However in saying that they still looked better, he didn’t get teased and he was happy. Consult a pediatrician.”

Do Your Homework

Lou shared, “I had my sons ears done when he was 5 yrs , we had a wonderful ENT surgeon. My son had absolutely no pain at all after surgery he didn’t have any pain medication,even the doctor said this was unusual I think he has a high pain threshold . I’m glad I had it done , surgery was done in the winter and he had to wear his bandages for several weeks , he just wore a beanie to school. I do not regret having this procedure . All I can say is do your homework on surgeons as I said I was fortunate enough to have a fantastic doctor. Go with your gut feeling.”

Kirsty said, “I would have no hesitation if it were my son! Go for it.”

Leanne agreed, “Yes no questions, if he is on board and wants it too. I am sure it will do wonders for his self esteem.”

Bat Ears No More

Another mum shared: “I had “bat ears” as a child, and was bullied on a daily basis. I was 6-7 years old when I had my ears pinned back and so grateful to my mum for giving me that choice. I am now facing the realisation that my son has “bat ears” and may one day ask me for this option. If that’s what the child needs, as long as they understand what it’s being done for (self confidence instead of yielding to bullies), I do not see a problem with it. Give them a chance to be the best they wanna be.”

Do It!

Others also agreed,

“Most definitely, kids are cruel and it will make a HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!”

“Would you get braces if he had buck teeth? To me there is no difference!”

“Definitely yes! He will feel better about himself!”

“Let him get it done.”

“Do it!!”

What Does Pinning Back The Ears Involved

Pinning back the ears, also called Otoplasty, or cosmetic ear surgery — is a procedure to change the shape, position or size of the ears.

This procedure can be done as soon as ears have reached their full size which is usually after 5 years old.

During an otoplasty, an incision is usually made on the back of the ear and the ear cartilage is exposed. The cartilage is then cut to allow the ear to sit closer to the side of the head. The cut is then closed with stitches. The scar behind the ear is small and inconspicuous. Alternatively, some doctors perform non-surgical otoplasties, where permanent stitches are added behind the ear to adjust its position. It’s best to speak to your doctor to find out which procedure is best for you.

What would you do if you were in this situation? Tell us in the comments below.

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  • If its really bothering him and as he has asked then the best thing to do would be to support him and at least talk to medical professionals to gather information for both you and him so you can make an informed choice of which way to go.

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  • It depends whether they are really bad enough to warrant it? If they are then definitely do it.

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  • I didn’t realise your ears reached full size by 5! How interesting

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  • We live in a world where children getvso much information we need to help them make informed decisions

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  • If the child feels it will help their self esteem I’d say go for it!

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  • I’ve taught students who have had this procedure. I haven’t heard any negative outcomes. I seems to give the child better self esteem and often bullying stops.

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  • Personally I feel l8ke it is too young.

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  • If your son is unhappy and is being bullied because of it, it definitely needs serious consideration. And, I guess, the earlier the better to save him years of abuse.

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  • If it is causing the child such difficulties then it should be considered

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  • The earlier the better, you’d never regret it. Having sticky out ears would only bring a lifetime of misery and disrespect from others not to mention it makes hats harder to wear comfortably

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  • I’d say go for it if it’s going to make your son more confident and boost his self esteem. It could be a life changing event.

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  • If it makes your son happier and more comfortable I would let him have it done. He isnt asking for something superficial. I would make sure he knows exactly what is involved and discuss it in depth. If he still wants to go ahead then do it.

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  • If my child was so upset about their ears and was getting bullied at school for it, I would consider getting the surgery done too. I would, of course, do all the research I can first and speak to a couple of professionals about it before making the decision though.

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  • My parents were going to get my sisters ears pinned back but didn’t. My son copped a bit of teasing with his ears and it seems his son has the same ears. I dont see them as large so I guess it depends on the individual

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  • I will just talk to him why he really need this.

    Reply

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