The recommended age for having a reconstructive surgery of the ear pinna

Although the pinna reaches 95% of its final size at the age of 6 years old it is recommended to have the reconstructive surgery at the age of at least 9-10.

This is because, in most cases, up to this age the amount of rib cartilage is insufficient for reconstructing a stable pinna. It must be remembered that the new pinna has to be stable and maintain an aesthetic appearance for the patient’s entire lifetime.

It is important to note that the operation can also be performed at an older age, but it is recommended to perform it during the teenage years in order to avoid ossification (calcification) of the rib cartilage, rendering the precise shaping of the pinna difficult.