Otoplasty Recovery: What to Expect & How to Heal Faster
Commonly referred to as ear pinning, otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the ear cartilage to improve the shape and projection of the ears. Recovery is relatively straightforward and mostly revolves around protecting the ears from bending or experiencing pressure. Of course, proper incision care is also necessary, and you may experience some discomfort. Patients report that otoplasty causes only very mild pain, however, which your surgeon will help you manage.
What to Expect During Otoplasty Recovery
Recovering from ear pinning surgery isn’t all that taxing, but you will have to wear a headband full-time for the first week. Although the height of fashion in the 80s, today’s patients often opt to stay home until they can skip the headband. You could also throw on a pair of leg warmers to complete the look before going out, if you’re feeling daring. Here’s an overview of what else you can expect as you recover:
- First 24–48 Hours
- Swelling, mild pain, and tightness around the ears
- Protective bandages or a headband are typically applied immediately after surgery to secure the ears in their new position
- First Week Post-Surgery
- Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during this phase but begin to subside by the end of the week
- Patients may experience mild itching as incisions start to heal
- Weeks 2–4: Healing and Reduced Swelling
- You may be able to transition to a lighter headband or wear it only when sleeping
- Most bruising fades and discomfort decreases significantly
- Months 1–3: Long-Term Healing
- Final results become apparent as residual swelling resolves
- Scars begin to mature and fade, blending with the natural contours behind the ears
Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Recovery
As is true for all surgeries, otoplasty recovery requires teamwork between you and your plastic surgeon. Just as you rely on your surgeon to do their part in the operating room, they rely on you to do yours when you get home. Following these aftercare tips and instructions helps you to become a good teammate:
- Adhere strictly to post-operative care guidelines, including cleaning the incision sites and wearing protective headgear
- Avoid activities that may cause the ears to bend or experience pressure, such as physical sports
- Use cold compresses as directed by your surgeon to reduce swelling during the first 48 hours after surgery
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed to manage discomfort
- Gently clean the incision sites with mild soap and water or a surgeon-approved solution to prevent infection
- Avoid submerging the ears in water (i.e., pools or baths) until fully healed
- Sleep with your head elevated using pillows to minimize swelling and avoid putting pressure on the ears
- Refrain from physical activities or exercises that could impact healing for at least four to six weeks
Recovery Timeline for Returning to Normal Activities
Most patients are anxious to get life back to normal after surgery, and you can do so fairly quickly after ear pinning. Most patients can return to work and non-strenuous activities like walking within five to seven days of their procedure. You must, however, wait four to six weeks before engaging in intense workouts and contact sports.
Patients who wear glasses or headgear are often concerned about whether they can do so after an otoplasty. Please know that you can wear both immediately after your procedure. You may need to add some padding or make some temporary adjustments, but you should be able to wear face masks and glasses so long as you do so with care.
Common Concerns After Otoplasty Recovery
Although sometimes concerning to patients, there are few side effects that are common and expected after otoplasty. You may experience:
- Uneven Swelling: Your ears may look uneven if one swells more than the other, but this is common in the first few days after surgery and will resolve as your swelling subsides.
- Numbness or Tingling: Surgery can disrupt nerves, resulting in numbness or tingling. This will go away as the nerves heal.
- Itching and Tightness: As your incisions heal, they may start to itch or feel tight. This is common and not cause for alarm but resist the urge to scratch them as this can cause irritation.
- Noticeable Scarring: Your surgeon will hide your scars behind your ears, but they may appear raised or very red at first. They will fade significantly in the next six to 12 months with proper scar care.
Recap
Otoplasty recovery is manageable and quick, with most patients returning to their typical daily activities within a week. Even so, your recovery may be influenced by your overall health, skin type, and other factors. For personalized answers about what you can expect during otoplasty recovery, schedule a free virtual consultation for answers to your questions and address any concerns.