The duration of wearing the bandage is determined by the plastic surgeon. On average, after surgery on the ears, you need to wear a bandage for 7-14 days. In this case, the risks of complications after otoplasty with a surgical scalpel or laser are minimized.

In the early recovery period, it is important to treat wounds and sutures after otoplasty. To do this, you should use antiseptic dressings, as well as disinfectants, for example, chlorhexidine. To heal the tissues and speed up the recovery of the ears, you should use special ointments, for example, levomekol.

Rehabilitation after ear surgery: late recovery period

If you have undergone otoplasty, how long does rehabilitation last after surgery is a question that should certainly interest you as a patient. Indeed, in the postoperative period, you should strictly follow the recommendations of the plastic surgeon who performed aesthetic correction of the auricles due to deformation of the cartilage or earlobe.

The late recovery period after complex surgery on the ears ends 30 days after plastic surgery. After surgical correction of the ears, it is important to ensure rapid tissue restoration so that complete healing of cosmetic sutures occurs.

• Diet. To stimulate the immune system and the tissue healing process, you should eat foods rich in protein, vitamins and beneficial minerals.
• Quitting bad habits. Smoking and drinking alcohol interfere with rapid tissue healing, which can increase the recovery period after ear surgery.
• Limiting physical activity. Sports and heavy housework should be limited to prevent tissue displacement after otoplasty.
• Avoiding sun rays. Ultraviolet radiation is very dangerous because it impairs tissue regeneration. As a result, the rehabilitation process after laser or reconstructive surgery of the auricles and earlobes can increase up to 2 months.
• Be careful when washing your hair. It is very important that after surgery, shampoos, gels and other cosmetics do not come into contact with wounds and sutures on the ears, as a chemical burn may occur.

Necessary medications

With the help of an anesthetic, the wound healing process is less painful. Minor discomfort may be felt in the first three days after surgical correction of the ears. To speed up rehabilitation after plastic surgery, the patient is prescribed:

• non-narcotic analgesics in tablet form;
• broad-spectrum antibiotics for prophylactic purposes;
• external medications in the form of ointments, creams or gels.

All medications are selected by a plastic surgeon based on the characteristics of the patient, his medical history and the presence of allergic reactions. The course of antibiotics can range from five days to one week. The prescribed products act comprehensively and promote faster restoration of the skin around the auricle, protecting it from inflammatory processes.

How can you get rid of bruises faster?

Like any surgical intervention, during laser and reconstructive otoplasty the plastic surgeon damages the skin, so bruising and postoperative swelling on the face are inevitable. The use of a compression bandage and timely drug treatment will allow you to shorten the rehabilitation period after surgery. By following the medical recommendations given by the plastic surgeon, you will be able to get rid of bruises within a week after the operation. To relieve postoperative swelling, the patient should exclude salty and spicy foods from the diet, which prevent excess moisture from leaving the body.

After reconstructive or aesthetic plastic surgery of the ears and removal of surgical sutures, the patient should try to disturb the wound as little as possible and follow some rules before going to bed. One of the main requirements for the recovery period after surgery may be sleeping on your back in a compression bandage. In this case, you should not wash your hair for at least a week until the plastic surgeon removes the stitches.

To prevent bleeding after laser or reconstructive otoplasty of the ears, the patient should avoid physical activity that provokes an increase in pressure. You should forget about accessories in the form of glasses and earrings until the skin is completely restored. Such caution after surgery is necessary to reduce the risk of tissue infection and prevent inflammatory processes that can cause the appearance of scars and rough keloid scars in the suture area after laser otoplasty or surgery with a surgical scalpel.

The completion of the rehabilitation process completely stops a few months after the end of the operation. Sensitivity returns, the wound site stops hurting after two months. It is worth remembering that otoplasty surgery does not affect hearing in any way.

Recovery after otoplasty surgery varies from day to day for each patient individually. Photos of patients published on our website in the “Otoplasty” section will allow you to evaluate the result of aesthetic correction of the ears.

The information on the site was personally verified by plastic surgeon Maxim Aleksandrovich Osin; if you have any additional questions, call the phone number listed on the site.

The outer ear consists of cartilage tissue. It is located at an angle of 30 degrees to the head. Sometimes this parameter turns out to be larger. Then a correction is required. It is also prescribed for deformation of cartilage, to change the size of the hearing organ. In most cases, otoplasty is prescribed.

Otoplasty

This is a type of surgery aimed at changing the appearance of the outer ear. There are more than 200 types of such manipulations. Their peculiarity is that the function of the ear cannot be changed during the process, which is why otoplasty is often called a cosmetic procedure. With its help, it is possible to eliminate external defects.

Indications

The procedure is recommended for correcting the shape of the outer ear starting from the age of five. By this time, the process of formation of the hearing organ is completed. There are no age restrictions for adults. Indications for cosmetic manipulation are:

• asymmetry,
• irregular shape of the auricle,
• partial or complete absence of shell.

The latter pathology can be either congenital or acquired.

What doctors say about otoplasty:

Species

Depending on the purpose of otoplasty, it is divided into two types:

1. Reconstructive. It is carried out to eliminate congenital or acquired defects.
2. Aesthetic. It is carried out to correct the shape and location of the ears.

Reconstructive

This type allows you to restore serious defects. The creation of the auricle is carried out in several stages. This may take a year or more. The process creates a cartilaginous frame based on the costal cartilage. It is then placed in place of the missing ear in a skin pocket.

Such a frame needs several months to take root in a new place. it is then detached from the head, forming the earlobe in the desired position.

During the last manipulations, the wound in the area behind the ear is closed with a skin graft, which is also taken from the patient. Only after this the tragus and depressions are formed. Thanks to these actions, the newly created ear has all the basic elements.

Reconstructive otoplasty before and after

Aesthetic

With this type, only part of the ear is corrected, for example, the lobe or tip. This operation is performed only to improve the patient's appearance. It allows you to press your ears closer to your head.

The cause may be a bifurcated earlobe. This is not always a birth defect. Sometimes its appearance is associated with the use of heavy earrings. This operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

The photo shows the result of aesthetic otoplasty

Techniques

There are several types of impact:

• laser,
• closed,
• open.

Laser

This is an atraumatic correction using a laser beam. This method of exposure prevents the appearance of various suppurations. This type is practically bloodless, since the vessels heal very quickly. With this tool you can:

• reduce or increase the size of the auricle,
• eliminate protruding ears,
• restore the relief of the ears.

The operation is performed under local anesthesia. After it, there are practically no scars left, and the blood vessels are tightened almost instantly. The ears look natural.

Closed

To carry out manipulations on the necessary tissues, punctures are made on the back surface of the ear. They are so small that no stitches are required. The advantages include minimal blood loss, reduced risk of colloid scar formation, and reduced surgery duration.

After the operation, the ears are supplemented with tampons and gauze soaked in an alcohol solution. After this, a fixing bandage is applied.

Open

This technique is considered classic. During the process, the ear is treated with an antiseptic; an incision is made behind the shell and a small area of ​​dermis is excised.

Then the cartilage tissue is modeled taking into account the characteristics of the defect. Sometimes some of the cartilage is removed. Sometimes during open surgery the cartilage is folded and secured with a special suture.

How is open otoplasty performed?

Carrying out

Preparation

Before the operation you need to undergo a full medical examination. A urine and blood test is taken, a test for antigens and antibodies, and a test for syphilis.

It’s best to start preparing your body a few days in advance. To do this, take vitamins and follow a diet. Within two weeks, you should stop taking medications that affect blood clotting. About 4 hours before the start, stop drinking and eating.

Progress of the operation

First, the appropriate type of anesthesia is selected. It depends on:

• patient's age,
• complexity of the operation,
• the expected duration of the manipulations,
• the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Treatment options depend on the anatomy and the problem itself. If the classic type of otoplasty is chosen, the incision is made behind the ear. The cartilage is removed or shaped to give the ear an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The duration of the manipulation depends on the degree of complexity. On average, it takes from 30 minutes to two hours per patient. The patient remains in the clinic for several hours. An adult can do normal activities the next day. Children are freed from lessons for a week.

After the work is completed, medical napkins and a special bandage are applied. A tampon with special pads is inserted into the ear canal. It should be changed every three days.

Demonstration of the key points of ear otoplasty:

Rehabilitation and recovery

After the procedure, the doctor prescribes. Patients usually feel discomfort for no more than a day. remain expressed for several more days.

During the recovery process, a bandage is worn that fixes the ears in a special position. Patients need to take care. The stitches are removed after about 7 days.

The full recovery period lasts up to 6 months. For 5-8 weeks, the patient is recommended to wear a special fixing bandage at night. You can wash your hair only after two weeks.

Otoplasty of ears for protruding ears

Dangerous symptoms to watch out for

After surgery, pay attention to the appearance. This side effect can be avoided by taking tests in advance. It may not take more than a day. Up to three days this is considered normal. On days 11-16 after plastic surgery, swelling and cyanosis of the ears will persist. All this time, the pain may be replaced by goosebumps or.

Pay attention if the pain does not go away for a long time or if the body temperature rises. Perhaps the inflammation has spread beyond the ear area.

When is a repeat procedure necessary?

Repeated surgery will be required if:

• the result was not fully achieved,
• there was a decrease in effect
• there is asymmetry of the ears,
• development occurred
• a colloidal scar appeared.

Most often they reapply due to insufficient effect. Asymmetry may occur if the operation was performed on only one ear.

Possible complications

All complications are divided into two groups: early and late. The former appear immediately, the latter are usually delayed. Early ones include hematoma and infection. The pressure exerted on the ear cartilage by a hematoma can lead to. Infection becomes the cause of purulent chondritis.

Late complications include suture problems and aesthetic problems. The first case is not so rare, but the patient may encounter a problem at any stage of the postoperative period. Treatment consists of removing the failed suture. Aesthetic consequences include an incorrect relationship between the hearing organ and the scalp.

Changes in cartilage tissue after otoplasty

What do you need to know?

Otoplasty is best performed at 5-8 years of age. At this time, the cartilage is already formed, but the body recovers very quickly. However, adults can undergo such treatment at any stage.

Despite the presence of contraindications, the advantages of otoplasty include the ability to correct significant ear defects. The operation can take place on one or two ears at once. However, there are no vital medical indications for this operation.

If you follow medical recommendations, a positive effect is achieved in 99% of cases. Recommendations include using a headband, avoiding wearing glasses and earrings, not blow-drying your hair, and avoiding swimming pools and saunas.

The final result of ear surgery often depends on how successful the rehabilitation period after otoplasty will be. Strict adherence to the surgeon’s instructions after a professionally performed intervention guarantees a 99.9% successful outcome of the “battle for beauty.”

The rehabilitation period after otoplasty takes on average one month. In most cases, the operation is performed under local anesthesia. Upon completion of the surgical procedure, the patient is in the hospital hospital under observation for 1-2 hours. At this time, cold is applied to the operated area, after which you can go home for a quiet rehabilitation period after otoplasty.

Features of the rehabilitation period after otoplasty:

• During the first two weeks, swelling is possible at the site of the surgical procedure, which gradually subsides.
• Painkillers prescribed by the surgeon should be taken according to the recommended regimen. Thanks to this, the rehabilitation period after otoplasty will be painless.
• The result obtained after aesthetic ear surgery becomes noticeable almost immediately, at the initial stage of recovery of the body, and lasts for life.

During the rehabilitation period after otoplasty, the patient must wear a fixing bandage: the bandage is worn continuously for two weeks, after which it can be removed for another two weeks during the daytime, but must be worn during sleep.

Upon completion of the operation, self-absorbing or regular sutures are placed at the surgical site. In the latter case, they are removed after 7-10 days.

Care of postoperative sutures

• For the first three days of the rehabilitation period after otoplasty, a napkin soaked in a chlorhexidine solution is applied to the surgical area. This helps to disinfect and maintain sterility at the surgical site.
• After these three days, it is enough to simply treat the seam with chlorhexidine and apply a fixing bandage.
• Over the course of a week, dressings need to be done once every two days.

With proper and regular care, the sutures heal well without leaving scars. A month later, a second appointment with an aesthetic specialist is scheduled for examination and summing up the results of the rehabilitation period after otoplasty. All this time, the patient can sleep peacefully in any position convenient for him. You can swim the very next day after visiting the plastic surgery clinic. Please note that after contact with water, the seams must also be treated with chlorhexidine and the ear should be secured with a bandage.

The key to a successful rehabilitation period after otoplasty is also abstinence from physical activity for at least a month, after which you can gradually return to your usual activities. You can find out about the indications for ear plastic surgery, the features of its implementation at the Vidnova Clinic and the cost of this procedure,

Since, in order to avoid psychological problems, they try to carry it out between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

How long to wear a bandage after otoplasty

There are about 170 ear correction techniques. However, any of them involves fixation of the operated area. A special bandage is designed to prevent possible deviations in.

Wearing the product is necessary to perform the following tasks:

• After otoplasty, cotton swabs soaked in special oil are placed in the ears. This is a necessary stage of rehabilitation. The bandage holds the material securely;
• It is very important to maintain the new shape of the auricle, and for this you need to prevent the slightest shaking of the tissues. This is the main purpose of a compression bandage;
• moderate pressure helps relieve postoperative pain;
• the device prevents the inflammatory process. After otoplasty, for some time the ear turns into a “weak link” and needs to be additionally protected;
• in the same way, the bandage prevents the occurrence and development of infections;
• preventing bruising is also one of the purposes of the bandage.

To complete all tasks, it is very important to choose the right product. Both excessive pressure and insufficient pressure will be equally detrimental to the result of the operation.

The duration of wearing the bandage depends on the extent of the intervention and the speed of recovery. If you ignore this requirement, the following are quite possible:

• ear asymmetry;
• on the operated area;
• slow healing due to swelling and risk of bleeding;
• inflammation and;
• and scars, which is associated with lack of fixation and tissue irritation.

What does a bandage look like and what is it?

There are several different types of bandages. This is again due to the scale of the operation.

There are 2 types of dressings:

• compression- resembles the most ordinary headband with Velcro, 7 cm wide, but made of a special material impregnated with antiseptic solutions. This fabric prevents infection from entering wounds. The material is elastic, does not exert excessive pressure, but at the same time securely fixes the ears and protects from mechanical damage. The advantage of this product is head mobility. In addition, the material allows air to pass through, so it is not hot even at high temperatures;
• mask– grabs the chin and neck. A special material is used, hypoallergenic, with a deodorizing effect. The mask blocks sudden movements of the head, which prevents possible injuries during sleep. The downside of the product is that it is hot in it, since the mask covers a fairly large area.

The doctor will indicate which form is required after surgery.

It is recommended to purchase 2 pieces at once in order to change them regularly. The fact is that when removing the bandage, it is necessary to lubricate the seams with Vaseline each time to prevent moisture and infection from entering, and this does not have the best effect on the fabric.

It is very important to choose the correct size of the product. The bandage should not put too much pressure on the head, much less the ears. There are different types of headbands for children and adults; they come in different sizes, so choosing the best option is always possible.

You can purchase the product at almost any pharmacy. Its cost varies from 1000 to 1500 rubles.

In extreme cases, the bandage can be replaced with an elastic bandage. However, this is really an extreme case, since this kind of fixation has a number of disadvantages:

• The special bandage contains Velcro, which allows you to adjust the degree of pressure without removing it. If the elastic bandage tightens too much or, conversely, does not create the proper pressure, it will have to be completely rewinded, that is, the stable position of the auricle will already be disrupted;
• the elastic bandage does not allow for the passage of air, so it is very hot in such a bandage;
• It is quite difficult to guess the degree of pressure, so applying a bandage requires certain skills. In addition, ready-made head models are much more aesthetically pleasing.

A tennis bandage is a more acceptable option, but only as a bandage, and not a post-operative option, since such material is not treated with antiseptics and does not protect against infection.

Applying a bandage

On average, the immediate postoperative period lasts 7–10 days. Restoration of ear cartilage lasts from 1.5 to 2 months. Physical activity is allowed no earlier than after 4–5 months. But these periods can fluctuate noticeably, which is determined by the general condition of the patient and compliance with recommendations.

1. The bandage is put on a day after the operation. Among other things, it fixes tampons and patches that are placed on postoperative sutures.
2. The bandage is worn for at least 7 days.
3. On day 8, as a rule, the sutures are removed, if no absorbable material was used, and the result of the operation is assessed. A second dressing is performed. In some cases, it is possible to remove the compression bandage, in others, the bandage must be worn for another 4-5 days. The maximum wearing period is 14 days.
4. In any case, the device is worn at night for 1 month after otoplasty.
5. It is recommended to sleep on your back all this time, at first with high support under your back - a reclining position.
6. Do not allow the product to become wet with water. As a rule, washing your hair is allowed after stitches are removed, but not more than once a week. It is quite often recommended to use only dry shampoo for a month after surgery.

Under no circumstances should you perform the dressing yourself. This is done only by an observing specialist, and only he decides whether the compression bandage needs to be worn for some more time or not.

A bandage after otoplasty is a mandatory stage of rehabilitation. It is extremely important to maintain a stable position of the ears, otherwise complications are inevitable. The type of bandage and period of wearing is determined by the surgeon based on the patient’s condition.

This video will also tell you about wearing a bandage after surgery:

Otoplasty literally means “ear reshaping” and in most cases this procedure is used to correct excessively protruding ears.

Abnormally protruding ears occur in approximately 5% of the population.

Protruding or protruding ears can cause psychological trauma to the patient due to unpleasant comments. The ideal age for correcting this defect is between five and seven years old, because at this age the ears are already fully formed and have an adult size, and also to prevent stressful situations for children who often face ridicule.

Otoplasty can help men, women and children of all ages overcome the embarrassment and frustration caused by irregularly shaped or protruding ears.

Otoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures for children. The surgeon's ultimate goal is to create a natural, proportional and symmetrical appearance of the ears.

Ears may appear enlarged due to the following factors:

• the ear cartilage is formed without bending close to the upper edge,
• an excessive amount of cartilage forms in the middle of the ear,
• the angle between the ear is greater than normal.

Progress of the operation

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and is usually performed on both ears, but sometimes people have only one protruding ear that undergoes correction. Surgery on both ears can take approximately 120 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia, with additional intravenous sedation. For children, general anesthesia is used.

Otoplasty is performed by refining or thinning the cartilage structure of the ear. Surgical incisions are usually placed behind the ear in the natural crease (where the ear meets the head) and therefore scars from this procedure are usually not visible.

The technique varies depending on the problem that needs correction, and is usually a combination of cartilage resection and removal of excess soft tissue behind the ear. In most cases, surgery involves placing permanent stitches to position the ear closer to the head. After surgical cartilage correction, the skin at the back of the ear is secured in place using surgical sutures and then maintained in its new position using carefully applied pressure (bandage, compression bandage). If non-absorbable materials are used, sutures are usually removed 5-7 days after surgery.

Postoperative stage

During the postoperative phase of otoplasty, it is important to follow all instructions from the surgeon. Otoplasty is often performed on young children, so parents and caregivers play an important role in providing postoperative care. In general, the postoperative period for ear surgery is 7-10 days and includes normal recovery. Complications are rare.

Bandage

Postoperative dressing is a very important part of surgery. After the procedure, the bandage compresses the surgical area and should remain in place for 48 hours. It will help maintain the new position of the ear in the immediate postoperative period, but mainly helps prevent the accumulation of blood (hematoma). You cannot manipulate the bandage yourself, even if there is slight bleeding (which is normal and should not frighten the patient).

It is important to monitor children after ear surgery to ensure that the bandage remains in place for the first 24 hours. The dressing is changed on the second and fourth days after surgery.

The dressing remains on the treated areas for the first five to seven days of the postoperative period. It is important not to move the bandage as this may increase the risk of infection and other complications. After removing the bandage, it is recommended to wear a compression bandage (elastic bandage) at night for 30 days. This will provide protection for your ears while you sleep to prevent them from shifting when moving. A compression bandage is needed to complete the healing of the cartilage.

Pain

In the postoperative period, the patient may experience mild pain. The pain is usually very minor. However, if the patient is hypersensitive to pain, the use of analgesics is recommended.

Ear sensitivity is a normal post-operative symptom that subsides quickly.

Patients typically describe feeling "ache and discomfort" rather than experiencing specific pain. These symptoms usually improve quickly after the surgical dressing is removed.

Swelling and bruising

During the first 2-3 weeks, noticeable swelling is observed. Bruises (bruises on the skin) may resolve spontaneously or require surgical drainage. It is important to remember that the body needs time to recover from surgical trauma. Your surgeon may recommend arnica ointments and medications to help relieve swelling and bruising post-oplasty. In some cases, the temperature may rise slightly over the course of two to three days.

Bleeding and bruising are rare. Sometimes slight bleeding may occur and, as a result, a hematoma forms between the cartilage and the skin, which quickly resolves on its own.

Patients are advised to stand as upright as possible during the early stages of recovery to allow residual swelling and bruising to resolve more quickly. After surgery, you should not take aspirin or medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen, as they have an anticoagulant effect.

Hygiene

It is important for patients to pay close attention to personal hygiene during the early postoperative period. You can take a bath 48 hours after the procedure, but you should not get the bandage wet.

After suture removal (7-14 days after surgery), patients are advised to gently shower and wash their hair daily to keep the wound healing area as clean as possible. It is recommended to wash your hair with warm water and mild shampoo (for example, baby shampoo). To dry your hair, use a soft towel, blotting it with gentle movements.

After the procedure, patients may be prescribed a week's course of antibiotics to minimize infections.

Chemical hair treatment (coloring, perm) is not recommended for several weeks after surgery, and only after consultation with a doctor. The earrings can be worn two weeks after surgery.

Sleep and rest

In the early postoperative period, the patient needs to sleep and rest as much as possible.

Young children should be kept at a low level of activity for the first few weeks after surgery.

During sleep, the patient's head should be supported by two or three pillows to keep the head elevated at 45 degrees relative to the horizontal position. It is also advisable to use two pillows on each side to avoid turning on your side during the night, which can cause harm to the operated area. The ideal position is on your back, with your head and body slightly elevated to reduce swelling.

Physical activity

The behavior of cartilage after remodeling is difficult to predict in the early postoperative period.

In the first 7 days, it is necessary to exclude any activity, exercise, or sport that can raise blood pressure and cause swelling.

To minimize injury, contact sports should be avoided. After two weeks, you can resume sports activities, but with caution so as not to subject your ears to excessive stress and possible injury.

Contact sports may be permitted after six weeks postoperatively. After a month, the patient can return to his normal physical activities, including gymnastics, swimming, etc.

Sun and warmth

The operated areas are sensitive to light for the first few weeks after surgery. Exposure to the sun is allowed only after 30 days. Until then, short walks in the sun are allowed, with the mandatory use of sunscreen. It is recommended to wear sunglasses for a month. Avoid extreme heat (eg, sauna, solarium). The skin is still sensitive and such exposure can cause 3rd degree burns.

Scarring

Otoplasty scars are usually not noticeable because they are hidden in the groove behind the ear. In case of development of pathological scars (keloids), doctors practice local corticosteroid therapy and the use of silicone patches.

Possible risks and complications

Complications can occur with any operation. Cosmetic surgery is usually performed voluntarily on healthy patients. Complications after otoplasty are rare.

Complications that occur in the postoperative period may include wound dehiscence, infections, partial or complete necrosis of the skin of the ears, and large hematomas requiring drainage.

Due to the nature of otoplasty, some of the nerves that provide sensation to the ear will be shortened, and the ear may lose some sensation. Most sensation will return, but some parts of the ear may remain numb. Changes in sensation and numbness in the ears are a common side effect up to 12 months after surgery.

Ear cartilage has “memory,” which means that the cartilage tends to return to its original shape.

After any otoplasty, it is possible for the ears to return to a protruding or protruding state.

Rare infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

Results

One week after surgery, initial aesthetic improvements in the shape and position of the ear can be assessed. After removing the bandage, patients immediately notice an improvement. Results will continue to improve over the next six weeks as residual swelling subsides, although the healing process is not yet complete.