Otoplasty, or cosmetic ear surgery, can correct physical flaws brought on by injuries and enhance the shape and structure of the ears to give them a more natural, symmetrical appearance. However, patients must go through a recovery period before seeing the results of their ear surgery. During the recovery period, there are important dos and don’ts that patients have to keep in mind.
Every otoplasty treatment is unique and tailored to each patient’s requirements and face features for natural outcomes. Despite this, ear surgery usually is an outpatient procedure that involves reshaping the cartilage of the ears to give them a consistent appearance.
Small incisions are frequently made along the backs of the ears, allowing access to the cartilage and hiding any remaining scars. The cartilage is then reshaped, and tiny sutures are used to secure the newly sculpted shape.
Cosmetic ear surgery can address several common aesthetic flaws, including:
A board-certified plastic surgeon should perform the otoplasty to achieve safe, striking, and long-lasting results. However, you must look after yourself while recovering for the best outcomes. Patients must follow specific guidelines to make the treatment as effective as possible.
For the first several weeks following your treatment, you must keep your head up as much as possible to ensure normal blood flow. Keeping your head elevated will help lower the danger of excessive inflammation and redness, even if some swelling in the days after the treatment is relatively standard.
Always have a set of soft pillows on hand to support your head upward whenever necessary. Avoid bending down; always keep your head where it is supposed to be, above your shoulders.
Your otoplasty surgeon will prescribe medications to help with pain relief, swelling reduction, and other side effects. These medications can also help speed up the recovery process. Set reminders, so you don’t forget to take these drugs exactly as prescribed.
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to recuperating more quickly and effectively after ear surgery. Your body can mend itself more quickly if it receives certain essential nutrients and vitamins.
However, you might find it challenging at first to chew solid foods. If so, think about switching to smoothies packed with nutrients or softer foods to help you get the nutrition you need.
Following the otoplasty treatment, surgical dressings and headbands are designed to maintain the position of your newly positioned ears. Removing or relocating them could hinder your healing, make you more susceptible to infection, or seriously harm your ears. Keep them cool, dry, and clean at all times, and wear them exactly as instructed by your otoplasty surgeon.
Topical ointments will be given to you by your doctor to be applied to the incision sites on your ears. Applying the ointment requires careful technique and clean hands to prevent rashes and infections. You should use these ointments frequently to lessen scarring and promote quick wound healing.
It’s crucial to keep your head cold and dry during the healing process since you’ll need to wear bandages to retain your ears in place for a short while. Avoid using a blow dryer or other heated hairstyle products and stay away from areas of intense heat.
After surgery, your ears will feel numb, making it impossible for you to feel any potential damage resulting from excessive heat, which could reverse all the progress made during the procedure.
You can periodically apply an ice pack to your ears if they feel too warm or if the swelling is causing you any discomfort. Just be careful not to leave it on for too long, or you risk getting frostbite.
Here are some reminders of what you should avoid during recovery.
You must avoid touching or rubbing your ears at all costs, even if it happens accidentally, regardless of how scratchy or uncomfortable your headband or dressing becomes. Be aware of everything around you and avoid accidentally brushing your ears against anything, as doing so can result in excruciating pain, discomfort, and irritability.
Certain chemicals found in shampoo and other hair products have the potential to irritate recently made wounds and prevent proper healing. You should refrain from washing your hair for at least the first week.
If you haven’t already, you should immediately stop smoking because it can seriously impede healing by preventing adequate blood flow and oxygenation to all body parts.
Otoplasty is a major surgery, even though it’s often an elective procedure; therefore, your body requires the appropriate amount of time to heal. Avoid strenuous activities like exercise and heavy lifting during this period.
As soon as your doctor gives the all-clear, you can resume your regular exercise program.
Following the procedure, you can experience some discomfort. Your plastic surgeon might advise a moderate painkiller like paracetamol while you’re in the hospital. At this time, you MUST AVOID taking aspirin.
Make sure you have someone to drive you home after the procedure because grogginess and drowsiness are two of the most common side effects of the anesthetic.
Your ears will take up to eight weeks to fully set in and heal, even though you might immediately notice some improvement in their position and shape. After the first week following ear surgery, most patients can return to work, but you must refrain from contact sports for at least one month.
Smith Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetic Center offers free ear surgery consultations. Contact us at 303-741-2211 or info@smithcosmeticsurgery.com to schedule a consultation.
