Otoplasty Recovery And Side Effects

Ears that are oversized or that stick out have long been the cause of chagrin

. Many children and adults have improved their appearances by altering the shape and positioning of their ears. The cosmetic surgical procedure to change the appearance of the ears is called otoplasty.

The plastic surgeon who performs this surgery will make sure that the two sides are as symmetrical as possible. Occasionally, one ear may need to be anchored more than the other in order to achieve a well balanced look. Incisions are placed behind each ear; some skin and cartilage may need to be excised before they are folded into the correct position.

The area is then stitched closed on the inside and outside. Some of the internal sutures may be left in place in order to provide a more stable result. The scars are usually hidden due to the location of the stitches.

During the recovery period, the patient will need to wear a compression bandage around the ear area and head. The recovering otoplasty patient will need to return to the surgeon's office on the next day to make sure all is healing appropriately.

During the initial days of healing, the post-surgical compression headband will be worn constantly, but will then progress to just being worn at night. The headband will protect the patient from accidentally pulling on or rubbing their healing ears. Prescription pain medication will be dosed as necessary.

A recovering patient is given instructions to apply sunscreen, be extremely gentle in hair washing and showering, to apply a topical antibiotic, and to sleep in an elevated position.

Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided. As the month progresses the patient should still apply sunscreen, as well as the topical antibiotic, but the dressing headband will no longer be necessary. By the end of the month, a patient may return to their normal lifestyle.

The patient should be aware that initially the ears may feel a bit too tight. This shouldn't be seen as a complication but rather as a result of an overcorrection. An overcorrection is made on purpose in order to allow for the loosening that will naturally occur during healing.

Some complications and side effects that may occur include an adverse reaction to the anesthetic, the wound site becoming infected, excessive bleeding, or a stitch working its way out of the ear and needing to be repaired. In very rare circumstances, an ear may revert back to its pre-surgery shape and the procedure would need to be repeated.

Following the surgeon's recovery instructions should minimize any chance of complications and the patient will be on their way to living a happier and more attractive life.

by: Abigail Aaronson

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