Ear Surgery - Recovery

After the anesthesia has worn off, most otoplasty patients are anxious to see how great their new ears look. However, making a full recovery from the ear pinning surgery is necessary before the bandages can be removed completely. Though there will be some side effects such as swelling after otoplasty, the relatively uncomplicated recovery process is one of the greatest benefits of cosmetic ear surgery.

What Can I Expect after Ear Surgery?

To begin the recovery from otoplasty surgery, the patient’s head is immediately wrapped in bandages after surgery to promote proper healing. Sometimes referred to as “fluff bandages” for their bulky layers of cotton cushioning, the initial wrapping is usually replaced with a lighter bandage after a few days. All bandages will be completely removed after a week or so.

Once the bandages are removed, the patient will still need to wear special headbands for several weeks to ensure that the ears heal in the desired position and shape. It is especially important to wear the headband at night, as this is the time when the corrected ear(s) are at greatest risk of losing their ideal shape.

Bruising and Swelling after Otoplasty

The most common side effects of otoplasty generally include minimal bruising and throbbing or aching of the ears. There may also be significant swelling after otoplasty in the first few days following the procedure, and any related pain can be relieved with medication. Patients might be momentarily disappointed by the size of their swollen ears, but should keep in mind that they will reduce to a more optimal size within a couple of days. Normal activities for both children and adults can be resumed after about a week of recovery from surgery. However, otoplasty patients must be cautious at all times to avoid any activities that may damage the ear until the area is completely healed.

The Recovery Period

Making a full recovery from otoplasty surgery usually takes about six weeks, although most adults can return to work within a few days of the surgery. Children tend to need at least a week of recovery before heading back to school, so long as they are careful not to engage in rough play or vigorous activity. Given the sensitivity and swelling of the ears after otoplasty, it is important that patients avoid using hot blow dryers or other objects capable of inflicting extreme heat or cold, as they may cause damage to numb ears. If the surgery is performed during the warm months of spring and summer, patients should take extra care to keep their head cool when wearing the protective bandages. Should any complications arise during the recovery period, patients should contact their doctor immediately.

Recovery From Otoplasty