Use of Stitches and Bandages After Otoplasty: Important Points in the Healing Process

Ear aesthetics, i.e. otoplasty surgery, is one of the most preferred surgical procedures to correct the external appearance of the ears and make them more proportional to the face. However, another stage of a successful operation that is at least as important as the surgery is the healing process. In this process, the protection of the stitches and the correct application of the bandage both directly affect the aesthetic result and minimize the risks of complications. In the first days, special bandages and headbands are used to stabilize the ears, protect them from infections and ensure healthy healing of the suture lines. So, what should be considered during this process? How should the stitches be cared for? How long and how should the bandage be used? In this article, we discuss step by step all the important points to be considered during the healing process after otoplasty. We wish you all healthy days and good reading.

What is Otoplasty Tape?

The effect of otoplasty, which is used to shape and reposition the ears, is enhanced with otoplasty tape. Otoplasty tape is effective in better shaping of the auricles and symmetrical positioning. Therefore, those who have ear surgery with otoplasty tape can spend the process healthier and more comfortable. When you enter the research on what is otoplasty tape, you can see that it is a medical product that helps the ear cartilage and auricle to shape better.

Since the use of the prominent ear band after otoplasty is functional, it ensures the success of the surgery by keeping the cartilage and skin structure reshaped after ear surgery together. In this context, in patients who do not use Otoplasty tape, the auricle cannot be adequately protected and differences in shaping can be observed.

The Importance of a Headband After Otoplasty

The headband used after otoplasty (ear aesthetics) surgery is extremely important for both the healthy progress of the healing process and the permanence of the operation. This bandage acts as a protector against possible trauma and unwanted movements by ensuring that the ears, which are surgically repositioned, remain stable. It helps to reduce swelling, edema and bruising that may occur in the first days, while preventing the suture areas from being exposed to external factors. The headband, which is recommended to be used continuously, especially during the first 1-2 weeks, minimizes the risk of deformation by preventing involuntary curling of the ears during night sleep.

Depending on the surgeon’s recommendation, it can be worn less frequently during the day and regularly throughout the night. This simple but effective support tool is indispensable both to maintain the aesthetic result and to have a comfortable healing process.

How Does Otoplasty Headband Help Recovery?

Since the auricle and skin are treated in ear surgery, the cartilage and skin will need to be fixed and supported as a result of the procedure. At this point, you can use a personalized headband to protect and support your newly shaped ears. The headband has an important place for the newly positioned and shaped ears to heal without deterioration. The fact that it has the ability to maintain the success of the surgery also makes postoperative use mandatory.

How Long Should I Wear a Headband After Ear Aesthetic Surgery?

The first days and even a few weeks after surgery are very important for healing. For this reason, a headband should be worn for the newly positioned ear to heal intact and to prevent revision surgery. It is wondered how long I should wear a headband after ear aesthetic surgery. We can say that this issue is completely at the discretion of the doctor and is determined by considering the patient’s condition. In the personalized treatment plan, the doctor predicts the type and duration of use according to the patient. For people with a high recovery rate, the duration of headband use is shorter. Your doctor will inform you about the duration and time frames for wearing a headband according to the condition.

Bandage Use in Children After Otoplasty Surgery

If otoplasty surgery is performed in childhood, it is necessary to pay special attention to the use of bandages in children. Because children may not be successful in protecting the ear area like adults. For this reason, the bandage is not removed day and night for the first 5 days after otoplasty surgery in children. In the following days, the bandage is continued to be used for 6 weeks at night to prevent the ears from folding and curling while sleeping. There is no need to wear a bandage during the day except for the first 5 days after surgery. If you would like to learn more about how to accelerate your recovery, you can check out our detailed guide: “How to Speed ​​Up the Healing Process After Ear Pinning Surgery.”

Things to Consider During the Otoplasty Recovery Process

In order to speed up the healing process and to maintain the given shape and position, it is necessary to pay attention to many issues after surgery. The things to be considered during the otoplasty recovery process help the patient to spend the recovery period more comfortable and healthy. You should prioritize your doctor’s instructions and the things to be considered during the otoplasty recovery process. In this context, the following are the things to be considered during the otoplasty healing process;

• Avoid Pressure and Trauma

Since the cartilage structure of the ear and the skin of the ear are processed, they are vulnerable to external factors. Therefore, the ear area must be protected from pressure, force and trauma against environmental factors, impacts and possible injuries. The best medical garment that can help you in this regard is a headband. It is especially important to protect your ears from pressure and impact while lying down, resting and doing your daily activities.

• Follow Postoperative Instructions

Although surgical interventions such as ear aesthetic surgery are carried out under the expertise of a successful doctor, there is always the possibility of postoperative complications. For this reason, you should follow the postoperative instructions to prevent complications and risks.

1.  In surgical interventions, the use of medication may be limited to prevent infection of the surgical site and the risk of bleeding.
2.  Antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by the doctor should be used.
3.  Care should be taken to clean the ear and its surroundings.
4.  Avoid unfavorable environmental conditions and dirty environments for a while.
5.  Care should be taken in wound care to ensure that the scar heals and does not become infected.

• Be Patient

Aesthetic procedures and plastic surgery applications are interventions that show their effect over time. Do not think that your new ear shape will fit immediately after surgery. It takes some time for your new ears to take shape and fit. However, although swelling, edema and bruising are observed after surgery, these negative conditions will disappear after a while.

In the first few weeks, do not strain the ear area and protect the head and surrounding area from pressure. Avoid exercise and sports for the first few weeks. Try to slowly return to daily activities after the time specified by the doctor. After full recovery, you can return to your normal life. Stay calm and patient during the process.

• Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy and balanced diet is also very important for personal health. Because surgical interventions are the best time to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In this direction, you should pay attention to what you eat and drink in order for the body to recover and ensure cell renewal. Also;

1.  Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for a long time.Especially smoking negatively affects healing as it narrows the vessels.
2.  Eat a balanced diet in terms of protein, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Try to adopt a fruit and vegetable-based lifestyle.
3.  Consume liquid foods to avoid increasing pressure in the head and temples after surgery. Take care not to consume crusted, hard and hard-to-chew products for about 1 week to 10 days.
4.  If there are supplements and vitamins recommended by the doctor, try to take them during this period.

Pay Attention to Hygiene Rules

The care of the surgical site is one of the most difficult issues in this process. In this process, you should pay attention to hygiene rules in the surgical area and in the whole body. Whatever instructions your doctor gives about personal care and hygiene after surgery, you should not go beyond it. This includes

1.   To prevent swelling, edema and bruising after surgery, you should apply cold for at least 24 hours and at most 48 hours.
2.  You should keep the otoplasty bandage that the doctor wants you to use for the first few days clean.
3.  You can clean and disinfect the wound area with an ear stick soaked with hydrogen peroxide.
4.   After a few days you can switch to light bandage use.
5.  The use of an otoplasty headband not only protects the ear and its surroundings against impacts. It also minimizes the risk of infection in the ear area.
6.  Activities that increase the pressure in the ear area also trigger the risk of infection.
7.  You can be patient and use waterproof dressings on your ears for a while.
8.  It is important to take a shower at the time and in the way specified by your doctor.

• Do Not Neglect Doctor Checkups

Since follow-up appointments are very important after surgery, your doctor will call you for regular check-ups to closely monitor the condition of the incisions and the shaping of the ear. You should keep all your follow-up appointments without interruption and ensure that your doctor follows the process closely. After the surgery, your doctor will call you for a follow-up appointment for dressings and to see the general condition, so you can get information about what you want to ask and what you are curious about.

• Pay Attention to Your Sleep Position

Sleeping position and head position are important to consider after otoplasty. You should pay attention to the sleeping position after otoplasty for many reasons. For this reason, if you want to shorten the recovery period and increase the success effects of the surgery, you should sleep with your head elevated after ear aesthetic surgery. After otoplasty;

1.  Having the head elevated will prevent pressure on the ears.
2.  It prevents swelling in the ears.
3.  It eliminates the feeling of discomfort you will experience due to pressure.
4.  Since the head is elevated, blood circulation in your body takes place in a healthier and more efficient way.
5.  With the head elevated, not lying on the ears and lying on your back is the most suitable sleeping position in this process.

• Don’t Touch Your Stitches

The surgical incision sites are covered with a headband or otoplasty bandage so you will not feel its presence. However, you may be tempted to touch the stitches and remove the scabs after the medical clothing is removed. This is extremely wrong. Do not touch your stitches if you want to prevent scarring at the incision sites and not delay healing.

If there is pain, green discharge or excessive tenderness in the suture area, consult your doctor. Dress the stitches as directed by your doctor and do not touch them afterwards. Because the sooner your stitches heal, the sooner you can return to daily activities.

• Avoid Heavy Physical Activities

Since ear aesthetic surgery is a procedure that reshapes and repositions the ear, you should pay attention to your activities. While you can gradually return to your daily routines, it is recommended to avoid heavy activities for a while. Any kind of exercise that will increase the pressure around the ear and head and show the effect of impact and trauma is considered heavy. It is recommended that you avoid heavy and strenuous exercise for at least 2 weeks.

Since you will need to continue using the headband until the swelling and edema around the ear goes down, you can return to your daily activities during this period. Running, pilates, heavy lifting, cardio work are movements that will strain the ear area. It is recommended to stay away from these exercises. Take into account your doctor’s instructions on heavy physical activities and returning to your daily routine, as he/she foresees a personalized healing process.

• Pay Attention to Clothing Selection

The choice of clothing is also very important to accelerate healing and to eliminate the negative effects of the surgery. For this, pay attention to choosing clothes that will not strain the ear and head area and that you can put on and take off comfortably. Otherwise, all kinds of clothes, accessories and objects that will cause irritation around the ear may disturb you.

In addition to all these, synthetic fabrics and polyester fabrics can cause irritation around the ear. The use of accessories such as hats, bonnets, headbands that will prevent your ear from taking shape should be postponed for a while. After full recovery, you can start wearing glasses and other products in consultation with your doctor. These accessories will distort the newly positioned ear shape and reduce the success rate of the surgery.

• Make Observations, Consult a Doctor in Unusual Situations

Apart from the usual check-ups, you should contact your doctor directly if you think something is wrong without waiting for the check-up time. Make observations by listening to your body after surgery. If you experience unusual conditions, high fever, green discharge and abnormal tenderness in the surgical area, you should contact your doctor.

For all the questions you have in mind, such as the use of bandages after otoplasty, you can contact the expert team of FaceAesthetics, which specializes in otoplasty in Turkey.