Prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting noticeable protrusion and shape irregularities of the ears. This operation can be performed on both adults and children, providing a permanent solution that alleviates aesthetic concerns and boosts self-confidence. However, as with any surgical procedure, patients often have many questions following otoplasty. To address these, we have prepared the “Frequently Asked Questions After Prominent Ear Surgery” guide. By reviewing this content, you can find answers to all your questions about prominent ear surgery. Wishing you healthy days and happy reading.
How Many Days Should a Headband Be Worn After Prominent Ear Surgery?
Wearing a headband after surgery is crucial for the success of the operation. Therefore, it is essential to wear a headband following otoplasty. The duration recommended by your doctor may vary, but typically, patients are advised to wear the headband continuously day and night for about 3 weeks after the surgery. During the following 3-week period, it is usually recommended to wear the headband only at night while sleeping.
When Is the Bandage Removed After Prominent Ear Surgery?
After a prominent ear surgery, the bandage applied by the doctor needs to remain in place for a certain period. This helps the ears take their new shape more effectively after surgery. In this context, the bandage and dressings after otoplasty can be removed as early as the 3rd day, depending on the patient’s condition. However, even if the bandage is removed after the 3rd day, it is important to continue wearing an elastic (tennis-style) band for up to 3 weeks.
When Can You Sleep on Your Side After Prominent Ear Surgery
The sleeping position after prominent ear surgery is another important consideration. Since the ears have been operated on, they must be protected from impact, pressure, or injury, so you should avoid lying on them. Therefore, it is recommended to sleep on your back for approximately 1 week after surgery, which not only speeds up healing but also prevents pressure on the ears. After 1 week, sleeping on your side is safe.
How to Bathe After Prominent Ear Surgery?
The dressings applied to the ears should remain for about 3 days after the surgery. They can be removed at the end of the 3rd day. Therefore, avoiding bathing for the first 3 days helps the healing process. After the 3rd day, you can bathe, but it is strongly recommended not to use hot water, as this may cause the stitches to loosen.
When Do Stitches Dissolve After Prominent Ear Surgery?
The stitches used in prominent ear surgery are absorbable, so they do not need to be removed. Typically, these stitches dissolve about 1 week after the procedure. However, in some patients, special circumstances or medical requirements may necessitate the removal of stitches. In such cases, it is essential to visit the surgeon who performed the procedure to have the stitches removed carefully.
Can You Smoke After Prominent Ear Surgery?
Patients are advised to avoid smoking for a period after prominent ear surgery. The reason is that smoking can delay wound healing. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks after the surgery. Avoiding smoking during the postoperative period helps prevent delayed healing.
When Can You Have Sexual Intercourse After Prominent Ear Surgery?
Although the surgery has a high success rate, it is advised to wait before engaging in sexual activity after prominent ear surgery. The main reason is that sexual activity can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure may cause stitches to open, swelling in the operated area, or bleeding. To avoid any complications, sexual intercourse should be postponed for at least 3 weeks.
How Should I Eat After Prominent Ear Surgery?
Careful and balanced nutrition after surgery supports recovery. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and omega-3s should be consumed to aid cell regeneration. Eating fiber-rich foods helps maintain regular bowel movements. A fluid-rich diet is recommended to avoid straining during defecation after surgery. Finally, focus on consuming antioxidant-rich, unprocessed, natural, and fresh foods.
Is It Obvious That Ear Surgery Has Been Performed?
Prominent ear surgery (otoplasty) is performed from behind the ear to minimize visible incision marks. Making the incisions behind the ear and within the ear folds helps ensure that the results of the surgery are not obvious. This approach also contributes to improved psychological well-being for the patient.
Is Ear Surgery Painful?
Otoplasty is performed under anesthesia, so no pain is felt during the operation. Experiencing some pain after the surgery is normal. In such cases, painkillers may be prescribed to manage any discomfort.
Are the Results of Ear Surgery Permanent?
Ear surgery is performed by placing stitches in the ear cartilage. These stitches stabilize the cartilage and maintain the new shape. Therefore, the results of ear surgery are permanent.
What Is the Best Age for Ear Surgery?
Prominent ear surgery can be performed using various techniques, including suture-based methods or surgical interventions. It is important that the ear cartilage is largely developed before surgery. By around age 3, approximately 85% of ear cartilage development is complete in children. After age 4 or 5, the procedure can be performed at a time deemed appropriate by the doctor.
When Can I Resume Sports After Otoplasty?
It is recommended to avoid sports or physical activities during the first 2 weeks after otoplasty. After 2 weeks, long walks can be resumed, and non-strenuous sports or activities can be performed after 3 weeks. However, for more intense or strenuous activities, it is advised to wait approximately 1.5 months.
How Should I Protect My Ears After Removing the Bandage Post-Prominent Ear Surgery?
The bandage applied after a prominent ear procedure remains on the ears for a period. Once the bandage is removed at the time indicated by your surgeon, a headband should be used. It is recommended to continue wearing the headband for about 4 weeks. During the first 3 weeks, the ears should be protected with the headband both day and night.
When Can I Return to Work or School After Otoplasty?
Patients are typically discharged on the same day of the surgery. The surgical dressings remain on the ears for about 3 days. Protecting the ears and preventing infection during the first week is crucial. You can generally return to normal daily life 3 to 5 days after the surgery, gradually resuming more activities over time.
How Permanent Is the Surgery? Can the Ears Return to Their Original Position?
Because the procedure involves surgical intervention and the cartilage is stabilized with sutures, the results of prominent ear surgery are highly permanent. The likelihood of the ears returning to their original position is very low, making otoplasty a lasting procedure.
Can There Be Asymmetry Between the Two Ears?
Sometimes the position of the head and ears can create an asymmetric appearance. Ear aesthetic procedures are performed to prevent this. In procedures like otoplasty, while revising the ear, the position of both ears relative to each other is evaluated. If you want to avoid asymmetry between the ears, it is best to consult a surgeon specialized in prominent ear correction. The best otoplasty surgeon assesses not only the ear cartilage but also the position of the ears relative to the head and each other. This approach can prevent the need for revision surgery on the ear cartilage.
Is There Any Numbness in the Ear After Prominent Ear Surgery?
After otoplasty, swelling and some bruising may occur on the ears. This is completely normal and a typical outcome of the surgical procedure. Additionally, temporary numbness may occur on the outer surface of the ear due to surgery. Touching the ear may feel numb for a while, but this is natural. Sensation typically returns to normal within a few months.
Can a Revision Be Done if the Otoplasty Does Not Meet My Aesthetic Expectations?
If an otoplasty is unsuccessful, revision surgery may be necessary. A lack of sufficient skill in performing otoplasty can often lead to the need for a revision procedure. When performed by a highly skilled otoplasty surgeon, revision surgery is usually not required.
When Does Swelling Subside After Prominent Ear Surgery?
After surgical procedures, swelling in and around the operated area is considered normal. Swelling may be present during the first 1 to 10 days post-surgery but gradually decreases over time. By around 15 days, the swelling becomes less noticeable. Complete resolution of swelling typically occurs within approximately 1.5 to 2 months.
If you have any questions about prominent ear surgery, you can immediately get answers by contacting Opr. Dr. Hasan Duygulu.
