Temporary throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, and numbness are expected. Tenderness can last up to 3 months.
For the first week, keep your head elevated on 2-3 pillows while sleeping.
Please refrain from showering for the first 7 days after surgery. In the meantime, you can bathe, but DO NOT submerge your head in the water. You may gently wash your hair on the 5th post-operative day.
It is difficult to predict how much swelling or bruising an individual will have after surgery. However, bruising is typically gone within 10-14 days. Initial swelling may take 2-3 weeks to subside, but keep in mind final results may take anywhere from 6-12 months. Healing from otoplasty to evaluate the final results takes 1 full year.
Keep your dressings dry. We will provide you with a headband that should be worn continuously for the first 5 days. It should only be removed to perform incision care. After 5 days you will continue to wear it for an additional 7 days only while you sleep. This helps to hold the ears in good position and protect them.
Avoid bending, lifting, pulling, pushing, straining, and aerobic activities for 3 weeks. You may return to regular exercise 3 weeks after surgery. Moderately strenuous exercise, or contact sports should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
Children can typically go back to school within 3-4 days after surgery. Adults may return to work after 1 week, or before, depending upon the person, or type of work they do.
Keep the area clean. Contact your provider to discuss need for further evaluation and treatment recommendations. If there is a problem, please call our office. Most issues are easily addressed and do not require significant intervention.
If you feel the situation is urgent, call 911 and/or proceed directly to the closest emergency room. Please call us as well.
Follow-up is typically in 7-10 days and should be scheduled by calling our office if it has not already been arranged.