Recovery After Prominent Ear Correction: What to Watch For

Prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) is one of the most preferred surgical procedures to reduce aesthetic concerns and increase self-confidence in both children and adults. However, another process as important as the surgery is the recovery period. During this period, the ability of the ears to maintain their new form, the prevention of unwanted complications and the permanence of aesthetic results are closely related to how much attention is paid to this process. Therefore, hygiene rules, sleeping positions, headband use and the process of returning to daily activities, which should be considered from the first days after surgery, constitute the cornerstones of a successful recovery. At this point, if you are wondering what to pay attention to during the otoplasty process, you can take a detailed look at our content.

Why Pay Attention to the Recovery Process After Prominent Ear Surgery?

Paying attention to the healing process after prominent ear surgery is critical in terms of both the permanence of aesthetic results and the prevention of possible complications. In this process, external factors such as pressure, trauma or infection applied to the ears can lead to deterioration of the newly shaped cartilage structure and unwanted deformations. Regular use of a headband, especially in the first weeks, ensures that the ears remain in a fixed position and helps the healing tissue to form properly. In addition, paying attention to the hygiene of the suture areas reduces the risk of infection and supports minimal scarring. For this reason, not interrupting the controls recommended by the doctor and adhering to all the instructions given during the healing process ensures the most efficient completion of the process in terms of both health and aesthetic success of the surgery.

What to Do According to the Otoplasty Recovery Process

There are many points that should be done and paid attention to according to the otoplasty recovery process. These points help the healing process to progress faster. In this context, the points to be considered are as follows;

First 24 Hours

The first 24 hours immediately after surgery is the most sensitive period of the healing process. During this period, the head is tightly wrapped with a special bandage and the ears are kept fixed. In addition, the bandage should never be removed and should not be intervened without the doctor’s knowledge. In addition, the patient should lie on his/her back with the head slightly elevated; this helps to reduce swelling and bruising by lowering blood pressure. This will greatly alleviate possible pain and swelling.

24 to 72 Hours

During this period, swelling and bruising may be evident. However, it is generally under control. For this reason, in most cases the bandage is removed under the supervision of a doctor and replaced with a special hair band. However, the ulna is still very sensitive and should be protected from trauma. In addition, direct water contact with the ears should be avoided, as showering is usually only possible after 48 hours with the doctor’s approval. As a result, if there is severe pain, discharge or excessive swelling at this stage, a doctor should be consulted.

Three Days to One Week

As the healing process accelerates during this period, swelling and bruises begin to decrease and the ear shape becomes clear. During this period, most of the patients can return to their daily, non-heavy work. However, sports, sleeping positions or head wear that will put pressure on the ears are still unfavorable. For this reason, headbands should continue to be worn day and night, and sleeping positions that prevent the head from rubbing against the pillow should be preferred. Therefore, scratching, rubbing or pressing on the ears should be avoided.

One to Two Weeks

By the second week, the stitches usually start to dissolve on their own or are removed by the doctor. Because the swelling has largely disappeared and the ear has approached its natural appearance. For this reason, the headband can now only be worn at night; the need for daytime use depends on the doctor’s recommendation. However, activities that directly touch the ear area such as swimming, weight lifting, wearing headphones should be avoided.

Within Three Months

Since the first three months are very important for the ear to settle its shape and for the tissue healing to be completed, you should be very careful during this period. Therefore, contact sports and accessories that can put pressure on the ears should be avoided. In addition, the headband should generally be left completely during this period. In addition to these, the feeling of slight numbness in the ears or sensitivity to touch will slowly disappear during this period and the aesthetic appearance will be largely established.

1 Year After

At the end of one year, the healing after otoplasty is completely complete, the ears take their permanent shape and the natural aesthetic appearance is clear. Therefore, tissue sensitivity is completely eliminated and the person can continue activities such as sports, swimming and headphone use in a completely normal way. If there is asymmetry, prominent scarring or unwanted deformity, this is usually recognized during this period and corrective interventions can be planned if necessary. However, with proper care and careful healing, such problems are usually not seen.

Things to Consider During the Otoplasty Recovery Process

There are certain things to consider during the otoplasty process. By paying attention to these things, you can experience a more comfortable process. These points are as follows;

• Prevent Infections During the Otoplasty Recovery Process:
  Since the risk of infection after surgery is high, the area around the ear should always be kept clean and antibiotic creams or solutions recommended by the doctor should be used regularly. In addition, water contact with the ears should not be unauthorized and dressings should be changed under hygienic conditions.
• Know When to Return to Normal Activities:
  Resting for the first few days after surgery is very important. However, light daily work can be resumed within 5-7 days. Sports, swimming and heavy activities should usually be started after 4-6 weeks according to the doctor’s approval.
• Regular Follow-up Appointments:
  Doctor check-ups are critical to observe whether the recovery is progressing properly. For this reason, appointments should not be disrupted and the doctor’s instructions should be followed at each visit.
• Avoid Irritation and Allergies in Wound Dressings:
  The bandages or adhesives used may cause irritation or allergies on some skin types. Therefore, if symptoms such as itching, redness or rash are noticed, the doctor should be informed and hypoallergenic materials should be preferred.
• Limit Sun Exposure During Otoplasty Recovery:
  The healing tissue is sensitive to the sun and ultraviolet rays can cause darkening of the scars or deformations of the skin. Therefore, it is important to avoid direct sunlight for the first 2-3 months and to wear a hat when you do.
• Understand Which Pain is Normal and Which is Abnormal:
  Mild to moderate pain in the first few days is normal. However, throbbing, unbearable pain or pain that increases significantly in one ear may be a sign of infection or blood accumulation. In this case, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
• Recognize the Signs of Secondary Scars:
  Normal scars are pink, flat and fade over time. If the scar is raised, itchy, hard or expanding, it may be a hypertrophic or keloid scar. These symptoms should be followed for early intervention.
• Head Should Be Elevated Appropriately After Surgery:
  Keeping the head 30-45 degrees above the pillow while lying down helps to reduce edema and accelerate healing. For this reason, it is recommended to sleep in this position for at least the first 3-5 days.
• Avoid Rubbing the Ears:
  Although itching or numbness may occur, touching, scratching or pressing the ears increases the risk of infection and may cause deformities by disrupting the cartilage structure. For this reason, rubbing should be avoided during the recovery period.
• Care Should Be Taken to Wear a Headband:
  In order for the ears to maintain their new position, a headband should be worn 24 hours a day for the first week and then only at night for a few weeks. However, it is also important that the band is not too tight or loose.
• Absolutely No Smoking:
  Smoking reduces tissue oxygenation, delays healing and increases the risk of infection. Since nicotine narrows the vessels, it can even lead to serious complications such as tissue necrosis. Therefore, smoking should be avoided for at least a few weeks before and after surgery.
• Avoid Extreme Heat:
  Extremely hot environments such as saunas, Turkish baths and sunbathing weaken the healing tissue and increase edema, so such environments should be avoided for the first few weeks.
• Attention Should Be Paid to Nutrition:
  Since adequate protein, vitamin C and zinc intake supports wound healing, attention should be paid to vitamin C, zinc and protein intake. You can also ensure the elimination of toxins by taking care to drink plenty of water. Finally, processed foods and excessive salt consumption should be avoided.

If you want to get information about what you should pay attention to after otoplasty surgery, you can contact the expert and professional team of FaceAesthetics, a pioneer in otoplasty surgery in Turkey.