What are the alternatives to Ear Buddies kits?
The alternatives are camouflage, usually with a hair style, or surgery. There is no upper age limit to surgery, and indeed, many adult males have surgery when their hair begins to thin. The earliest age at which surgery can be contemplated is 5 years. Earlier than this and the cartilage is too soft to hold the stitches without tearing. The safest option is under local anaesthetic, with or without mild sedation. Many children can tolerate this from the age of 10, but if not, a general anaesthetic will be required. Because of the risk of haematoma and ensuing infection (please link to Bat to Worse page), Mr Gault advises against the use of anterior scoring and suture technique.
