Rehabilitation period after ear surgery. What determines the recovery period after otoplasty? Otoplasty rehabilitation period

Otoplasty is a type of surgical intervention on the soft tissues and cartilage of the auricle, which is used to correct protruding ears and eliminate deformities and defects of the auricle.

Types of otoplasty

Aesthetic otoplasty: The operation is performed to give the ear a more aesthetic appearance.
Reconstructive otoplasty: used to restore individual missing areas or the entire ear.

Indications for surgery

Contraindications for surgery

acute infectious diseases;
oncological diseases;
blood clotting disorder;
diabetes mellitus;
chronic inflammatory diseases of the external and middle ear;
Some clinics do not allow surgery to be performed during menstruation.

Photo: before and after ear surgery

Necessary tests

general blood test, general urinalysis;
biochemical blood test, coagulogram;
blood tests for markers of viral hepatitis, HIV, syphilis;
electrocardiogram, fluorography.

Video: Ear plastic surgery

Operation methods

Today, there are about 170 different types of surgery on the outer ear. This is due to the large number of structural features of the auricle and the need to preserve the individual structural features of the outer ear after surgery.

In each specific case, the surgeon selects the optimal method of performing the operation, taking into account the existing anatomical defect or deficiency and the expected result.

The only thing you need to decide on is the method of making the incisions during the operation. They can be performed with a scalpel or laser. A number of operating doctors insist that using a laser has its advantages:

postoperative scars are less pronounced and may be absent altogether;
healing after surgery is faster.

It is quite possible that they are right, but much here depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

How is the operation performed?

First of all, pain relief is performed. For children, the operation is performed under general anesthesia; for adults, the surgical area is numbed locally, in much the same way as teeth are numbed in dental practice.

Then an incision is made with a scalpel or laser, excess skin and ear cartilage are excised, and a new position and size of the auricle is formed. The surgical wound is sutured with regular or absorbable threads.
A special bandage is applied to the operated ear. The compression bandage after otoplasty must be worn for several days so that the new position of the auricle is maintained throughout the healing process.

Video: Otoplasty, ear surgery

Rehabilitation and recovery

In most cases, surgery and wearing a compression bandage, which is changed once every 2-3 days, is sufficient. Some patients need to undergo several additional corrective procedures prescribed by the doctor to achieve optimal results. As a rule, the doctor informs the patient about the need for such procedures at the consultation stage before the operation.

Sutures after otoplasty are removed 8-10 days after surgery, unless self-absorbable suture material was used. During this time, you should not wet the postoperative wound. It is recommended to limit physical activity for 2-3 weeks after surgery.

You may experience slight swelling and pain for 1-2 weeks after otoplasty, which subsequently goes away without treatment. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe painkillers.

Did you know that frenuloplasty surgery involves transverse dissection and subsequent longitudinal suturing? Read more in the article. What is blepharoplasty? How is it dangerous? Which celebrities have had blepharoplasty? How is the operation performed and how long does it take? You will find answers to these and other questions in this article.

Complications after otoplasty, adverse effects of surgery

suppuration of the postoperative wound, dehiscence of the wound edges; The photo shows a fragment of the ear where the sutures on the cartilage have separated and a section has formed filled only with skin.

formation of pronounced scars, including keloids;

bleeding from the surgical wound;
development of severe edema and extensive hematoma, which may require additional drainage;
development of diffuse external purulent bacterial or fungal otitis;

in the long-term period of the operation, it is possible for the operated cartilage to grow into vessels with gradual resorption of the cartilage and secondary deformation of the auricle;

noticeable traces of surgery on the outer surface of the ear.

Prices

The price of ear surgery largely depends on the type of anesthesia used. Local anesthesia will cost much less than general anesthesia. In addition, in some cases, after an operation performed under anesthesia, the patient will have to stay in the clinic for several days under the supervision of medical staff, which will also affect the cost of treatment. Prices for otoplasty in Moscow and St. Petersburg may differ greatly, since it is often in large cities that advanced methods of anesthesia and surgery are used, which requires additional costs both for the necessary materials and equipment, and for the training of specialists.

Prices for otoplasty in Moscow at the DeltaClinic plastic surgery clinic.

Prices for otoplasty in St. Petersburg

Otoplasty (Surgeries on the ears)
Correction of protruding ears (1 ear)	from 18,000 rub.
Correction of protruding ears according to the author’s method of A.V. Kulikova (1 ear), incl. previously operated	RUB 39,500
Correction of protruding ears (2 ears)	RUB 23,500
Correction of protruding ears according to the author’s method of A.V. Kulikova (2 ears), incl. previously operated	RUB 51,500
Reduction of the auricle (1 ear)	18,000 rub.
Reduction of the auricle according to Kruchinsky-Kulikov without external sutures (1 ear)	40,500 rub.
Reduction of the auricle (2 ears)	RUB 23,500
Reduction of the auricle according to Kruchinsky-Kulikov without external sutures (2 ears)	RUB 55,500
Correction of ear deformities (1 ear)	17,500 - 54,000 rub.
Earlobe correction (1 ear)	10,200 - 22,000 rub.
Restoration of the earlobe after tunneling (1 ear)	17,500 rub.
Reconstructive operations in the ear area	+ 20% to the cost of aesthetic operations in the corresponding parts of the ear

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wear the bandage? The duration of wearing the bandage is determined individually in each specific case and depends on the speed of healing of the surgical wound. Typically the wearing period ranges from 1 to 3 weeks. At what age can otoplasty be performed? Otoplasty is not usually performed until the baby is six months old. Before this period, the formation of the auricle occurs, therefore, if there is a slight deformation, then the elimination of protruding ears is carried out without surgery, by fixing the auricle in the correct position. If fixation was not carried out before the six-month period and the ear cartilage is fixed in the wrong position, then it is better to carry out the operation before the child reaches the age of 6 years in order to avoid the formation of complexes about his own appearance. What is the best way to do otoplasty, with a laser or a scalpel? The choice is yours and your surgeon. In any case, the incision is made along the back surface of the auricle and will be securely hidden in a fold of skin. Is free otoplasty possible? Possible. But such an operation, as a rule, is performed only for medical reasons. Is it possible to correct protruding ears with surgery? Can. Correction of protruding ears is the most common indication for ear surgery. How is otoplasty done? There is no single method of operation common to all cases of otoplasty. Therefore, for each patient, the surgeon chooses his own method of performing the operation, based on the patient’s needs and his own capabilities. Is revision otoplasty possible? Repeated otoplasty is quite possible if the patient does not receive the desired result after the first operation. Is revision otoplasty more expensive? The cost of the operation in this case will depend on the indications for repeated otoplasty. If this is the elimination of a slight asymmetry, then the operation is unlikely to be more expensive for you. If it is necessary to eliminate keloid scars, secondary deformation of the auricle, etc., then the operation can cost much more. Therefore, you will only be able to find out the exact price for repeated otoplasty during a personal consultation. How long does it take for repeat otoplasty to be performed? The period is determined by the operating doctor during a face-to-face consultation. In some cases, repeated surgery on the auricle is not performed due to the development of gross tissue deformation and the unpredictability of the effect of repeated otoplasty. What side effects of the operation can there be? Most often after surgery there are complaints of slight pain and swelling of the tissue in the immediate vicinity of the surgical wound. It is not dangerous and goes away within 1-2 weeks without treatment. How is the postoperative period of otoplasty? If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations and come for dressing changes on time, the postoperative period passes without any problems. The only restrictions are not to engage in heavy physical labor or sports for 2-3 weeks and not to wet the postoperative wound until the stitches are removed. How long after surgery do my ears hurt? Usually the pain goes away within a week or two.

It is very difficult to find people who are satisfied and even happy with their own appearance in all its aspects. Almost every person is dissatisfied with one or another flaw in his own appearance. Many people even think about seeking the services of a plastic surgeon to correct or change an annoying element of their appearance, and soon visit the surgeon.

Prominent ears

Otoplasty, or plastic surgery in the ear area - a surgical intervention that can reconstruct, adjust and improve form And size human auricles. The operation lasts about an hour and is performed under local anesthesia. The success of an intervention is influenced by everything that is done before, during, and after the intervention.

After the otoplasty is completed, the patient is usually placed in a ward where he will spend some time before going home. If the patient so desires, he can be placed in a hospital overnight. This may be necessary to monitor the patient and analyze his condition in order to avoid complications and give him further recommendations.

What to do immediately after surgery

Immediately after the intervention, the plastic surgeon applies a special bandages, which presses the ears and protects them from mechanical damage. Among other things, this bandage holds cotton wool soaked in mineral oil - this helps to avoid swelling after surgery;

After otoplasty, a variety of medications are used funds, accelerating wound process healing. The ears are sealed over the sutures with a plaster that prevents various contaminants from entering the area of the operation. To protect your ears from mechanical damage and injury, you can wear a comfortable scarf;

During the first three days after the intervention, the patient may be disturbed uncomfortable sensations in the area of surgery. Will help relieve pain and discomfort analgesics And antibiotics, which need to be taken for about a week;

The first postoperative dressing is prescribed the next day after otoplasty. The second dressing is prescribed for 3-4 days after surgery. A week after the operation, you should visit your doctor to remove the stitches.

As after any surgical intervention, after otoplasty there are postoperative swelling And bruises. They are not too noticeable, but will take about 7 days to disappear. The duration of swelling depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. To reduce swelling, limit your consumption salty And acute food, as well as hot drinks. It is this type of nutrition that provokes the appearance of swelling.

Ear bandage

Further rehabilitation after otoplasty

The effectiveness of the operation can be assessed almost immediately upon completion. The final results of otoplasty are assessed after a couple of months, subject to mandatory compliance with all the necessary conditions for the postoperative rehabilitation period.

The bandage that protects the ears from any injury can be removed after three days, but the optimal period of wearing it is a week. The decision about the possibility of quickly removing the dressing should be made based on the complexity of the surgical intervention;

Until the wound heals completely, you must completely stop washing your hair;

For the first time after surgery, it is necessary to sleep only on your back - this will protect the patient from the danger of damage to the sutures and from pain in the area of the operation;

For 30 days after surgery, you must wear a special bandage or a comfortable scarf at night, if your doctor is okay with such a change. This will prevent the patient from damaging the surgical area with awkward movements of the head and hands;

In general, rehabilitation after otoplasty itself proceeds easily and without any problems, provided there are no complications. Be that as it may, you should limit your own physical activity and active life. Beware of increased blood pressure, protect your ears from any injury;

Stop using glasses for a month and a half; they can be replaced with lenses;

Important points of rehabilitation after otoplasty

After plastic surgery to correct the ears, they are used for rehabilitation purposes. physiotherapeutic procedures inherent in the recovery period after any operation. This includes hardware room cosmetology and all medical procedures and therapies that help speed up wound healing and avoid any complications.

There are some points awaiting the patient after otoplasty:

The patient's ear skin may lose sensitivity. Her return may be accompanied by strange sensations similar to goosebumps, but you should not be afraid of this. Soon the sensitivity will return to normal, and you will feel as before;

Some patients are convinced that by deciding to undergo otoplasty, they may lose their hearing or severely deteriorate it. This is not true, because the operation does not affect the inner parts of the ear;

Be prepared for the fact that at first your ears will be bothered by sensations that are normal after surgery. However, everything uncomfortable the sensations will soon disappear, and your ears will delight you for the rest of your life. And this despite the fact that all traces after the operation will be invisible to others.

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Ear correction surgery is the most desired surgery for those suffering from protruding ears. After surgery, it is important to follow all the surgeon’s recommendations to avoid complications.

Rehabilitation after otoplasty

As a rule, the patient leaves the clinic a few hours after the operation and undergoes outpatient recovery. Sometimes rehabilitation in the ward may be prescribed for a day.

Before discharge, dressing and postoperative examination are prescribed, or for these purposes it is necessary to come to the hospital.

One week after otoplasty

For the first three days, a bandage and a bandage are put on the head after otoplasty with a tight fixation of the ears; it is worn around the clock and is not removed.

On the third day, an examination by a surgeon is scheduled, the compression bandage and cotton swabs are removed. Some experts leave the compression bandage on for another four days, but can be removed for showering and leaving the house.

Three days after removing the bandage and removing the tampons:

Hair washing is only permissible from the third day when the special bandage is removed. The water temperature should not be hot. There are no restrictions on the choice of shampoo, but ears and seams should not be touched if possible.
You can use a hair dryer to dry your hair, but it is advisable to use cool or warm air.
The sutures are treated with Chlorhexidine or Miramistin twice a day.

On 7-10 days another examination and removal of sutures is scheduled.. During this period, there is no point in expecting final results from the correction of protruding ears - there is still swelling on the cartilage, and the ears themselves are too pressed to the head.

One month after otoplasty

After the first week after ear surgery, the headband is put on only during sleep and worn for 2-3 weeks.

What to do after otoplasty

It is advisable to sleep on your back after ear surgery. However, there is an opinion of experts that in the absence of pain and complicated operations, sleep is possible even on the operated ears, that is, on the side.
Visit to the swimming pool, taking a bath, sauna, hammam, sauna are prohibited until the postoperative sutures have completely healed, about two weeks.
Sports training are also canceled until the ears heal. At the same time, contact sports are banned for an average of a year.
Wearing glasses is acceptable after a month or two of ear surgery; at this time it is advisable to switch to lenses.
Hair coloring and cutting are permissible after the seams have fused. At the same time, it is important that the ears are not bent or pulled back (this recommendation is relevant for 6-12 months after ear correction).
Sunbathing and solarium are allowed from 7-14 days after consultation with the surgeon. It is worth considering that the seam areas are photosensitive to solar radiation; it is advisable to apply sunscreen and a hat.
Alcohol for the first week, or better yet, for a longer period is undesirable, as it slows down healing and increases swelling in the ears.

Headphones that are inserted into the ears and large ones on top have no restrictions.

You can wear earrings from the third day, the only exception is heavy jewelry that pulls on the earlobe and ear.
Self-prescription of vitamin-mineral complexes, as well as the use of local ointments, is undesirable without a doctor’s prescription.

VIDEO REVIEW

Complications after otoplasty

Any surgical intervention leads to predictable and, accordingly, expected complications, as well as unpredictable ones.

Bruises after otoplasty are a response to surgery. This complication resolves on its own within two weeks. This defect can be hidden with a hairstyle or with loose hair.
Swelling after otoplasty, is also normal and resolves within a month. Some swelling of the cartilage may be mildly present for up to three months.
How much do your ears hurt after otoplasty?? The pain is individual and begins to be felt immediately after the anesthesia wears off. Pain after ear surgery lasts no more than a week and is relieved with analgesics.
Mild numbness may be felt in an ear or two for up to a month and a half and should go away on its own.

Otoplasty is the correction of the shape of the ears and their reconstruction in order to correct congenital defects or those resulting from mechanical trauma. Recovery after otoplasty involves post-operative care prescribed by a doctor: a bandage, refusal to wash your hair, the use of special ointments for the ears, and so on.

Rehabilitation after otoplasty

The result of otoplasty depends not only on the skills and professionalism of the surgeon performing the operation, but also on your compliance with his instructions during the postoperative rehabilitation period, which is divided into two stages: the early rehabilitation period and the late one.

Early rehabilitation period

In the early period (lasts 5-10 days), it is especially important to unquestioningly follow the doctor’s recommendations, since it is especially important for a successful outcome of the operation, during this period the following should be done:

Late rehabilitation period

The late rehabilitation period can last up to 1-2 months, during this period you will have to follow the following instructions:

follow a diet that includes a large amount of vitamins and protein (chicken and rabbit meat, vegetables, fruits);
it is advisable to stop drinking alcohol and nicotine for the entire period of rehabilitation, as these bad habits increase the risk of keloid scars;
restriction of physical activity - you will have to give up sports and household household activities, since as a result you risk displacement of tissue at the operation site or divergence of postoperative scars;
saving the body from hypothermia or overheating - low temperatures can cause inflammation, and high temperatures can cause scars to diverge. So you will have to give up long walks along the winter streets, as well as visits to the sauna;
avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight at the surgical site, since the ultraviolet spectrum of the light wave leads to denaturation of proteins, which impairs the regenerative functions of tissues;
When washing your hair, avoid getting soap, shampoos, gels and other washing products on the surgical site to avoid chemical irritation.

Many people are interested in how long the results of otoplasty last? If you follow all the instructions correctly, the results will stay with you for life.

Bandage

If you decide to undergo an operation such as otoplasty, the postoperative period should not come as a surprise to you; it is very important, even before the operation, to have an idea of what awaits you: pain, refusal to shower for the first days, the need for dressings, and so on.

The postoperative dressing is the most important part of the early postoperative period; it consists of a cotton-gauze swab at the operation site, secured with a bandage or bandage, which can be bought at any pharmacy. Under no circumstances should you move the bandage or try to change it yourself. If for some reason the bandage has changed position, you should immediately go to the hospital where it will be replaced. The bandage protects the postoperative scar from mechanical stress and infection. It should be changed periodically by doing dressings in the hospital or inviting a nurse to your home.

Complications

If you do not fully follow the doctor’s recommendations and prohibitions, you risk encountering such an unpleasant phenomenon as complications after otoplasty. The main ones:

Maceration is the impregnation of the ear tissues with liquids, which occurs due to the bandage being applied too tightly. It is treated by changing the bandage and applying medications, and goes away within a week;
hematoma – formed due to the accumulation of blood leaking from a vessel. Symptoms may include severe pain and frequent bleeding; hematoma is treated by opening the wound and treating with antibiotics;
hypertrophied scar - usually appears due to the body’s predisposition to the appearance of keloid scars, but can also be the result of a medical error.

How to choose a clinic and surgeon

Before deciding where to get ear surgery, find reviews about the surgeon and analyze them. Compare the number of patients being operated on and the number of positive reviews and only then decide to have an operation with one doctor or another.

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:

Reconstructive. It is carried out to eliminate congenital or acquired defects.
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 final manipulations, the wound 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.