Top it or leave it?

[Footballhead]

Aphids ate the crap out of all the new growth and mangled some leaves.
 
If I leave it alone will it recover?
 
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bhGBC8XeAfA/VVP1b1XPdeI/AAAAAAAAAW0/oy6BBsRAfoA/w983-h553-no/20150513_180624.jpg

 

[filmost]

If you've taken action against pests, then it will bounce back whether or not you top it.
 
If you want to force it to branch now, top it.

 

[Phil]

It almost looks like it's been topped for you. I'd treat for aphids and let it be. Yes, it will recover just fine.

 

[mpicante]

I've to say leave it.It'll bounce back in no time.Just keep a close eye for future insect attack(infestation)

 

[D3monic]

It almost looks like it's been topped for you. I'd treat for aphids and let it be. Yes, it will recover just fine.

 
I'm with Phil, looks like they topped it for you. 
 
Pepper people are the only ones i've seen top plants down lower than the very first emergent new growth leaves. All you have to do is pinch that tiny new growth off and BAM topped. Looks like the aphids did that for you. 

 

[afr0n0me]

Looks topped already ? what are you asking ?  ?S ? 

 

[Van]

I topped after an aphid attack and regretted it .....very bushy plants but very little pods