How long does it take for ears to heal after otoplasty? Everything you need to know about otoplasty: indications, types, recommendations, possible complications

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 to 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 can there be from the surgery? 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.

What is otoplasty? Literally meaning “ear reshaping,” the procedure is the reconstruction or correction of the shape and size of the ears through surgery. Simply put, this surgery is indicated for the 5% of the population with abnormally protruding ears.

Types of operation

The most common and oldest way to get rid of protruding ears is scalpel otoplasty ears. This method is not very revered among patients: after surgery, scars remain, the process itself takes more than 2 hours, and rehabilitation is quite long.

A modern alternative to a scalpel - laser otoplasty. During the operation, specialists make incisions using a laser beam. Among the obvious advantages of medical manipulation: the shortest rehabilitation period and the absence of postoperative scars.

Laser otoplasty is gradually losing ground, giving way to an innovative method - radio wave operation. Doctors, armed with radio waves, painlessly deprive the patient of the complex. And a person recovers after such a procedure for no more than three weeks.

The rehabilitation period after “ear correction,” regardless of the type of operation performed, is divided into early and late. We'll talk more about each of them below.

Features of the early postoperative period

Before and after otoplasty

Otoplasty of the ears is a type of surgical intervention, the implementation of which entails a violation of the integrity of soft tissues and cartilage to varying degrees. Hence the obviousness of such unpleasant symptoms as pain, swelling and bruises. The severity of these signs depends on the progress of the procedure, the characteristics of the patient’s body and his compliance with medical recommendations. The duration of early rehabilitation varies from 7 to 10 days.

More about the main thing: pain, swelling and bruising

Mild, even minor pain is considered a normal postoperative symptom. In case of low pain syndrome, the patient is advised to take analgesics. Increased sensitivity of the ears can also be attributed to this - this symptom disappears after a couple of days.

Swelling and bruising do not leave the patient for 2-3 weeks after surgery. More often they resolve on their own; in rare cases, surgical drainage is required. A slight increase in temperature in the first days after the procedure is also considered normal.

What you need to know about compression bandages?

A postoperative bandage fixes the ears in the correct position and prevents them from moving until the tissue begins to heal. Other important functions performed by the bandage include:

protection of ears from possible injuries;
preventing the spread of swelling and hematomas formed in the surgical area.

What is an attribute? This is a regular or elastic bandage, made in the shape of a ring, which is worn on the head. It can be replaced with a special bandage; it is very comfortable to wear during the postoperative period. A special feature of the product is its universal size due to the existing fastener (adhesive tape).

The duration of wearing the bandage is 1-2 weeks. Medical attire can only be removed if prescribed by a doctor.

After the procedure, the patient will undergo at least 2 dressings:

A day later. During the process, the condition of the ear is assessed.
On the 8th day. During the dressing process, doctors remove the stitches.

After the examination, the specialist evaluates the result and gives additional recommendations.

Medications used

When dressings, tampons soaked in antiseptic are placed on the suture area. To speed up wound healing, the doctor may prescribe some healing ointments, creams, and gels. The most common option is Levosin ointment.

In case of severe pain, the patient is advised to take painkillers. They are usually given by injection.

Important to know! The prescription of any medications during the recovery period, especially if otoplasty was performed on a child, is carried out only under the supervision of a specialist.

For ease of understanding, we will list the main postoperative recommendations of doctors in the table:

Washing your hair	You should not wash your hair for the first 3 days. Next, before removing the seams, use only warm water without detergents. Then for a month it is better to give preference to baby shampoo.
Sleep and rest	You should rest and sleep as much as possible. The recommended sleeping position is lying on your back. It is better to raise the head of the bed or use pillows to reduce the severity of swelling.
Physical activity	Any physical activity in the first 7 days after the procedure is excluded. If otoplasty was performed on children, at this time preference should be given to quiet games and contact sports should be excluded. You can resume activity towards the end of the 2nd week. It is recommended to gradually return to the previous rhythm of life.
Wearing glasses	Glasses should be put aside for the duration of the entire recovery period, regardless of whether otoplasty of the ears was performed with a laser or another instrument.
Contact with the sun	The ears are very sensitive to light in the first weeks after surgery. Full contact is possible only after a month. Until this time, the patient is advised to take short walks using sunscreen. Obviously, solarium and sauna are excluded.

Features of the late postoperative period

The main task of this period of time is to provide conditions for the rapid healing of operated tissues. The period ends after 30 days. It includes a list of recommendations regarding lifestyle and nutrition, if followed, you can count on a favorable result.

At this time, the patient may be bothered by minor swelling, partial loss of sensitivity in the ears, and discomfort in the scar area. These symptoms are normal and indicate that the ears are not ready to fully cope with the functions assigned to them.

Pay attention! Pain in the late postoperative period is an uncharacteristic symptom. If this occurs, consult a doctor.

Diet

Nutrition during the period of recovery of the body after surgery is characterized by the following features:

It must be varied in order to ensure that the required amount of vitamins, minerals and other components enter the patient’s body.
The patient's diet should consist of easily digestible foods.
It is better to give preference to lean meat (rabbit, poultry, beef), cereals, vegetables and fruits.
All spicy, fried, fatty, salty, smoked, and spicy dishes are taboo for the patient.

Such nutrition, as well as giving up bad habits, will ensure excellent otoplasty results and eliminate possible complications.

Let's talk about the unpleasant: risks and complications

Any operation does not exclude risks and complications. Cosmetic surgery, be it laser otoplasty or any other operation, is usually resorted to by completely healthy people - hence the small percentage of complications.

Among the possible unpleasant manifestations during the recovery period, experts include:

divergence of wound edges;
development of infection;
necrosis of ear tissue;
volumetric hematomas.

Surgery such as otoplasty shortens some of the nerves in the ear, so it may lose some of its sensitivity for up to 12 months.

The ear cartilage boasts a “memory”, under the influence of which the auricle constantly tries to take its original position. Therefore, any operation may be unsuccessful - the protruding ears will return to the patient over time. In such cases, repeat otoplasty is performed.

Evaluation of results

7 days after surgery, specialists are able to evaluate the initial aesthetic improvement in the shape and location of the ears. Once the bandage is removed, the patient can immediately notice improvements. In a favorable situation, the result progresses every day. This will continue for an average of 6 weeks. At this same stage, the doctor may decide that otoplasty was unsuccessful.

Doctors come to a final conclusion a year after the procedure. Most patients are satisfied with the result. However, almost always the operated ears differ minimally from each other - a slight asymmetry remains. This does not mean that revision otoplasty is inevitable. This can be caused by the course of the procedure itself, or, most likely, by the initial asymmetry of the ears.

As you can see, the rehabilitation period after this type of cosmetic surgery plays a key role in ensuring the proper result and achieving a positive cosmetic effect. The lion's share of successful ear correction is hidden in painstaking adherence to the entire list of doctor's recommendations.

Everyone's idea of beauty is different, but everyone will agree that beauty is an important element in the formula for success. Elegance and beauty always give self-confidence, which in turn affects a person’s success in all matters - both in business and on the love front.

Plastic surgery today is becoming more and more accessible to everyone. Its popularity is directly related to this, because more and more people can experience the amazing results of plastic surgery. An experienced surgeon is able to give the patient some power over time - after all, with his help, you can significantly change your appearance, going back five to ten years.

When does the need for plastic surgery arise?

It is quite difficult to answer this question. A person can feel dissatisfaction with their appearance at any age. This can be caused by various reasons, but plastic surgery is always ready to help, even for people of advanced age. For such clients, there is always the opportunity to offer easily tolerated, minimally invasive methods that will not affect their overall well-being.

Women are most often interested in at what age should they resort to operations aimed at facial rejuvenation. In principle, the need for such a procedure is largely determined by the woman’s internal needs, and not her age. It all depends on the condition of the facial skin, as well as on the woman’s strong desire to undergo plastic surgery.

It is worth noting that the operation and time of year are not affected. The only thing worth taking care of is having enough free time, which will be required during the rehabilitation period.

What operations can plastic surgery offer?

The following plastic surgeries can be performed on both men and women:

Neck and face rejuvenation

Circular, ultrasonic, ligature lift

Plastic surgery of ears and nose

Nostril correction

Body rejuvenation

Abdominoplasty (removal of skin and fat deposits)

Plastic surgeries that help solve appearance problems exclusively for women:

Intimate plastic surgery

Breast correction

Plastic surgery to solve appearance problems in men:

Correction of gynecomastia

Plastic surgery of intimate areas

Penis enlargement
Liposuction of the pubis
Foreskin correction

Contraindications to plastic surgery:

Cancer detection
Pregnancy and lactation periods
Severe forms of chronic diseases of internal organs
Menstrual period
Some types of allergies
Arterial hypertension
Serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system
Mental illnesses
All forms of diabetes

If a patient has a tendency to form keloid scars, then such patients usually do not undergo plastic surgery. Also, many operations have age restrictions (that is, they are not performed on patients who have not reached the age of majority), but there are some exceptions to this rule - for example, ear plastic surgery is allowed from the age of six. In some cases, contraindications to plastic surgery may include hereditary predispositions that can lead to complications or negative consequences, the patient’s lack of understanding of the need for plastic surgery, and other factors.

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 has an individual character 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.

There are very few people in the world who are completely satisfied with their appearance, and they can rightfully be called lucky. But today, thanks to the active development of plastic surgery, almost any defect in appearance can be corrected. One of the most popular operations is otoplasty. This is a surgical correction of the shape or size of the auricle.

Otoplasty is not a complex operation, has virtually no side effects or contraindications, does not last long (up to an hour), does not require long hospitalization, and as a rule, the patient can be discharged home on the same day. But reconstructive surgery is only the first step on the path to perfect ears; immediately after it, an equally important period begins - rehabilitation after otoplasty, on which not only the speed of recovery, but also the consequences of the operation depend.

Rehabilitation after otoplasty is a complex process that includes several options for restorative treatment and rules of conduct. Let's look at the most important of them.

Compression bandage

Perhaps, the consequences of otoplasty depend most on compliance with the plastic surgeon’s recommendations for wearing a special compression bandage. The latter is put on immediately after the operation over the aseptic one. Its main task is to keep the ears pressed to the head. It also protects against accidental injury in everyday life and during sleep, and prevents severe bruising and swelling of the postoperative wound.

Depending on the size of the surgical intervention, it is necessary to wear a bandage from 7 to 14 days. In appearance, it resembles a tennis one, so you don’t have to worry about people around you looking at you.

Necessary medications in the postoperative period

Immediately after otoplasty, the patient is given parenteral painkillers to relieve pain. But pain may still bother you during the first 3 days after surgery. To make rehabilitation more comfortable, the patient is prescribed non-narcotic analgesics in tablets for this period.

A course of broad-spectrum antibiotics is required to prevent infection of the postoperative wound (5-7 days).

The complex of drug treatment also includes the use of external dosage forms (ointments, gels, creams), which promote rapid wound healing and have antibacterial properties. The drugs are selected only by a plastic surgeon.

Bruising and swelling

Despite the low invasiveness of otoplasty, bruising and swelling cannot be avoided, but steps can be taken to minimize these consequences of the intervention. For this purpose, wearing a compression bandage and special medications that resolve hematomas are prescribed. Typically, bruises last up to 7 days. To reduce swelling, you need to limit yourself to salty and spicy foods, which retain moisture in the body.

Dressing and removal of stitches

The consequences of otoplasty also depend on the timeliness of postoperative dressings and removal of surgical sutures. Typically, about three dressing changes are needed after surgery. Each time, a gauze swab is impregnated with medications with wound-healing and antiseptic properties, and a compression bandage is put on top. Sutures are removed one week after otoplasty. To do this you will need to visit the clinic.

Night sleep

This is a very important moment for quick rehabilitation, since in a dream a person does not control his movements and can injure the operated ear. You need to sleep on your back and always with a compression bandage on your head.

Final result

The consequences of otoplasty and the rehabilitation performed can be seen 2 weeks after the operation - that’s when the swelling will completely disappear, the bruises will disappear and you won’t have to wear a bandage anymore. At first, some discomfort may be felt and the sensitivity of the skin of the operated ears may decrease, but after 2 months all unpleasant sensations disappear completely. It must be emphasized that otoplasty does not affect hearing in any way.

To speed up recovery as quickly as possible after plastic surgery, not only after otoplasty, you can use the services of hardware cosmetology and physiotherapeutic procedures offered by the clinic.

You also need to remember the following recommendations:

Do not wash your hair before removing the stitches (risk of infection);
Avoid physical overexertion so that your blood pressure does not increase (postoperative bleeding may begin);
Forget about glasses for 2 months until complete healing;
It is not recommended to wear earrings during the first two months after otoplasty.

By following all the described principles of rehabilitation and the advice of your plastic surgeon, your recovery will be as quick and successful as possible.