Postoperative period after otoplasty. How to select and wear a bandage after otoplasty

In the period from five to 14 years, when cartilage tissues tend to recover quickly. The result of such an operation largely depends on the proper care of the ears after it.

Recovery period after otoplasty

To ensure quick healing of the ears and speed up the recovery period, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. It should take care of the ears for 10 days, and constantly, then you can.

The healing of incised tissues proceeds differently for everyone, but in order not to injure the stitches, it is necessary to exclude sports loads and vigorous activity, which can increase blood pressure and, as a result, cause swelling of the operated sites. After 14 days, sports fans can resume their activities, but with some caution.

To determine for yourself what is possible and what should be avoided in the postoperative period, you need to know what is considered the norm, and for what deviations you need to see a doctor.

If in the first two days a person is worried about pain, then this is considered normal, after this time they pass by themselves.

How is recovery after surgery

It consists of several stages, as evidenced by:

destruction– during the operation, tissues and cells are damaged at the incision site, they do not immediately heal.
Exudation- with it it develops, which almost always happens after their damage due to the flow of the liquid component of the blood into the intercellular space.
Proliferation- the stage is characterized by cell division, and this process proceeds at an accelerated pace, which helps to restore tissues. At this time, a primary scar is formed from the connective tissue.
resorption- the final stage, after which the scar subsides a little and becomes less pronounced. Connective tissue cells are replaced by their epithelial counterparts.

All the above stages of the rehabilitation period follow each other in exactly this sequence and contribute to the healing of surgical incisions.

The recovery period is associated with the wearing of a special bandage, which not only protects the operated ears from injuries, but also contributes to the correct fixation of the resulting shape of the ears for many years. When a person sleeps, the bandage protects the still not fully formed scar from injury and keeps the weak cartilage in the correct position. As such a bandage, you can use not only products specially designed for otoplasty, but its textile variety, some use wide tennis tapes. The bandage is also entrusted with protection against infection and displacement of cartilage tissue. To strictly adhere to the recommendations after such an operation, the dressing should be changed daily, while using solutions in the form of chlorhexidine, furacilin or hydrogen peroxide.

In addition to wearing a bandage, you should know a few more nuances:

you can accelerate the healing of wounds with a cream -;
tight bandaging is used to prevent the opening of bleeding immediately after surgery;
with severe pain, which often manifests itself after extensive surgery, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used (or);
to reduce swelling, special tight bandages are used, but they are allowed to be applied only by a surgeon.

The video below will tell about rehabilitation after the operation:

Ear care

It is necessary to direct all your actions to warning the ears from the influence of negative factors on them. The following recommendations will be required:

Introduction to the diet during the rehabilitation period of easily digestible foods high in protein and fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats are required.
Limit physical activity, eating junk food, and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Try to stay in comfortable conditions, at a temperature not higher than 25 degrees and not lower than 18. Until the seams are completely healed, exclude trips to baths and saunas, and also avoid.
Hair washing is allowed only after 3 days without shampoo, but only with warm water, then only baby detergent can be used.
Those who wear glasses need to worry about lenses in advance, as glasses will not be worn for at least two months until the ears are completely healed.

Removal of stitches

If a silk thread was used during the operation, then it will need to be removed in a medical setting after five days or a week.
But when using catgut, the sutures dissolve themselves.

The doctor will be able to evaluate the results of his work only six months later, if necessary, he will recommend the use of some hardware cosmetic techniques. The rehabilitation period is relatively easy, therefore, preparing for such an operation, it is necessary to allocate a week of your vacation for it. After that, it will become possible to constantly admire the beautiful shape of the ears.

Sensitivity in the ear area after otoplasty will be restored gradually, and a little discomfort will appear, you will want to comb the wounds, but this should not be done.

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 flaw in appearance can be corrected. One of the most popular surgeries is otoplasty. This is a surgical correction of the shape or size of the ear.

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

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

Compression bandage

Perhaps, the consequences of otoplasty depend most of all on compliance with the recommendations of a plastic surgeon on 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, 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 that others will look at you.

Necessary medicines in the postoperative period

Immediately after otoplasty, pain medications are administered parenterally to the patient to eliminate pain. But pain can still be disturbing during the first 3 days after the operation. To make rehabilitation more comfortable, the patient is prescribed non-narcotic analgesics in tablets for this period.

Be sure to prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics 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 contribute to the rapid healing of the wound and have antibacterial properties. Preparations are selected only by a plastic surgeon.

Bruising and swelling

Despite the low invasiveness of otoplasty, it will not be possible to avoid bruising and swelling, but measures can be taken to minimize these consequences of the intervention. For this purpose, the wearing of a compression bandage and special, absorbable hematomas, medications are prescribed. As a rule, bruises persist for 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 sutures

The consequences of otoplasty also depend on the timeliness of postoperative dressings and removal of surgical sutures. As a rule, about three dressings are needed after the operation. Each time, the gauze swab is impregnated with medicines with wound healing and antiseptic properties, and a compression bandage is put on top. The stitches are removed one week after the otoplasty. To do this, you need to visit the clinic.

Night sleep

This is a very important point in 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 rehabilitation can be seen 2 weeks after the operation - it is then that the swelling will completely disappear, bruises will disappear and you can no longer wear a bandage. At first, some discomfort may be felt, the sensitivity of the skin of the operated auricles may decrease, but after 2 months, all discomfort completely disappears. It must be emphasized that otoplasty does not affect hearing in any way.

To maximize recovery after plastic surgery, not only after otoplasty, you can use the services of hardware cosmetology and physiotherapy procedures offered by the clinic.

You also need to remember the following tips:

Do not wash your hair until the stitches are removed (risk of infection);
Avoid physical overexertion so that the 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, the recovery will be the fastest and most successful.

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

protruding ears

Otoplasty, or plastic surgery in the ear area - surgery that can reconstruct, adjust and improve form and the size human auricles. The operation lasts about an hour and is carried out under local anesthesia. Everything that is done before, during and after the intervention affects the success of the intervention.

After the otoplasty is completed, the patient is usually placed in a room where he will spend some time before going home. If the patient has such a desire, he can be placed in stationary conditions for the night. 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 auricles 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;

Various medications are used after otoplasty. funds, accelerating wound healing process healing. The ears are sealed over the stitches with a plaster that prevents various contaminants from entering the area of the operation. To protect the 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 operation. Help relieve pain and discomfort analgesics and antibiotics, which need to be taken for about a week;

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

As after any surgical intervention, postoperative complications appear after otoplasty. edema and bruises. They are not too noticeable, but it will take about 7 days for them to disappear. The duration of swelling depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. To reduce the duration of edema, limit yourself in consumption salty and acute food and also hot drinks. It is this diet that provokes the appearance of puffiness.

Ear bandage

Further rehabilitation after otoplasty

The effectiveness of the operation can be assessed almost immediately after its completion. The final results of otoplasty are evaluated after a couple of months, subject to the obligatory observance of all the necessary conditions for the rehabilitation postoperative period.

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

Until the moment of complete wound healing, it is necessary to completely abandon washing the head;

The first time after the operation, it is necessary to sleep only on the back - this will save the patient from the risk of damage to the stitches and from pain in the area of the operation;

For 30 days after surgery, you must wear a special bandage or comfortable scarf at night, if your doctor does not mind such a change. This will remove 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, but provided that there are no complications. Whatever it was, you should limit your own physical activity and active life. Watch out for an increase in blood pressure, protect your ears from any injury;

Refuse to use glasses for a month and a half, they can be replaced with lenses;

Important points of rehabilitation after otoplasty

After plastic surgery for the correction of the auricles, for the purpose of rehabilitation, physiotherapy procedures inherent in the recovery period after any operation. This includes hardware cosmetology and all medical manipulations and therapies that help accelerate wound healing and avoid any complications.

There are some points waiting for the patient after otoplasty:

The skin of the patient's ears may lose sensitivity. Her return may be accompanied by incomprehensible 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 opting for otoplasty, they may lose their hearing or severely impair it. This is not so, because the operation does not affect the inner parts of the ear;

Tune in to the fact that at first the ears will be disturbed by sensations that are normal under the condition of surgical intervention. However, everything uncomfortable sensations will soon disappear, and your ears will delight you all your life. And this despite the fact that all traces after the operation will be invisible to others.

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Bandage after otoplasty is an indispensable attribute of the rehabilitation period after ear surgery. Thanks to a special bandage, the seams heal faster, swelling and bruising subsides. There are different types of fixation bandage. How to choose? How much is it?

Read in this article

Why do I need a bandage after otoplasty?

The main function of the bandage is to securely fix the ears after surgery and protect them from damage. It is important to keep the new the shape of the shells, to prevent the appearance of scars or scars in the seam area. Wearing a bandage is necessary for such purposes:

prevention of the inflammatory process;
saving the result of plastic surgery;
removal of postoperative swelling;
acceleration of tissue regeneration;
protecting the ears from damage and infection;
elimination of hemorrhages.

The bandage fixes cotton swabs soaked in special oil. It is important to choose the right size so that the material does not squeeze the head. To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to strictly follow all recommendations during the rehabilitation period. It is recommended to follow the following rules:

You can't wash your hair. The agent can get into an open wound, you need to wait for the permission of the doctor. Use dry shampoo if needed.
You should sleep on your back. Wrong position during rest involuntarily distorts the shape. To do this, it is recommended to slightly raise the head of the bed.
Put on a bandage at night. Such a measure prevents accidental touching of damaged areas with hands.
Limit physical activity. Within six months, excessive pressure should not be allowed.
Set aside glasses. The temples can carry infections by getting into an open wound.

Types of compression bandages for the ears

There are several types of dressings that are used at different stages of the recovery process. There are the following types:

open compression bandage on the ears;
mask.

Compression

The standard elastic version is recommended to be worn immediately after surgery. During this period, it is important to take care of the hygiene and condition of the wounds in the ear area. The special fabric is impregnated with an antibacterial solution and protects wounds from infection. Elastic material does not exert excessive pressure on the head, protects against mechanical damage. The advantages of this type are as follows:

the mobility of the head is maintained;
not hot;
the fabric is breathable.

Compression bandage on the ears after otoplasty

Mask

The closed-type bandage tightly fixes the new shape of the ears thanks to the Velcro around the neck. During sleep, the mask protects against accidental head movements. The hypoallergenic material does not cause irritation, the light structure of the fibers has a deodorizing effect. However, there is one drawback - in the summer it is very hot in the mask. This can adversely affect the regeneration process.

Bandage-mask on the ears after otoplasty

When the device is put on

Can an elastic band be used?

Quite often the question arises about the possibility of replacing the bandage with a simple elastic bandage, which is in every home. This is highly discouraged for several reasons:

No fasteners. Velcro is provided in a special bandage for fixing on the head. Often the bandage is rewound not strong enough or too weak. The stable position of the ears is not preserved.
The skin does not breathe. It will take a significant amount of material to wrap the head. As a result, the closed surface will be poorly ventilated, which may affect the regeneration process.
Not exactly practical. A special bandage will look much better on the head than a regular bandage.
Not very convenient. It is quite difficult to guess the necessary tension and size of the material to provide sufficient comfort.

For information on how to properly apply a gauze bandage on the ears after otoplasty, see this video:

Bandage after otoplasty on the head

On the 3rd - 4th day after removing the bandage, you can wear a special bandage. The material is treated with a silver solution, which promotes active healing. The structure of the fabric allows the skin to breathe freely. It is recommended to purchase two pieces, as you will have to change them regularly. The bandage should be chosen loose so as not to feel pain. The size is adjustable according to individual needs.

How long to wear an ear patch

The first six days after the operation, it is mandatory to wear a tight bandage. It is fixed around special plasters or impregnated with a solution.

Stitches after otoplasty

gauze. Within two weeks, an examination and dressing is carried out. The steps are:

The first is put on a day after otoplasty. Analysis of the obtained results allows us to foresee possible complications.
The second dressing is after 8 days. The special suture material is absorbed or removed by the surgeon.

It is forbidden to carry out such manipulations on your own. A week later, it is allowed to wear a bandage only at bedtime. This must be done within one month so as not to damage the seams. Six months later, the cartilage is completely restored. During this period, physical activity should be limited and a bandage should be worn to avoid any damage.

Where to buy bandage and bandage

You can buy this product at any pharmacy. The average price for a bandage is 1000 - 1500 rubles. Various color schemes allow you to choose the right option for daily wear. Before buying, it is recommended to pay attention to the size. The fabric should sit freely on the head. Excessive pressure causes pain and bleeding at the stitches.

Possible Complications

Swelling after surgery

In such situations, the following complications are possible:

asymmetrical shape of the ears;
suppuration of damaged tissue;
inflammation, redness and infection;
scars and scars.

Small bruising is considered normal in the area of the operation.

These symptoms resolve on their own within one month.

The right choice of elastic bandage guarantees the desired result. You can buy different types at an insignificant price at a pharmacy or at any sports store. Thanks to the fixation of the auricles, a beautiful shape is maintained, the healing process is accelerated, and the risk of complications is reduced. In a year, with the help of a bandage, positive results of otoplasty will be noticeable.

How is otoplasty performed?

Otoplasty is one of the few plastic surgeries that are successfully performed under local anesthesia. In time, it takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the degree of complexity. Preliminary preparation is practically not required. But in order to make sure that there are no medical contraindications that can provoke various complications, you will have to pass a series of laboratory tests.

The incisions are made with a conventional or laser scalpel behind the ears, where they will later become completely invisible. After performing all the necessary manipulations, the incision sites are pulled together with cosmetic sutures. How long rehabilitation after otoplasty lasts largely depends on the individual characteristics of the body, as well as on the amount of correction performed.

Stages of rehabilitation

Usually, after an otoplasty, recovery begins within a couple of hours. Immediately after the operation, the auricles are fixed with a special plaster, a cotton compress is applied to them with a healing agent that accelerates healing, and a tight elastic bandage around the head keeps the correct position. The entire period of rhinoplasty rehabilitation is divided into several key stages.

It is advisable to avoid ball games, contact martial arts and other sports in which the ears can be injured.

Postoperative dressing

The bandage, which must be worn during the rehabilitation period after otoplasty, securely holds both shells in the correct position. In addition, it is necessary to prevent their displacement before the tissue healing process begins.

This product is great for:

protects the ears from injury;
prevents the spread of hematomas and edema, which usually form in the operated area.

Note that the bandage after otoplasty has a very convenient feature. Manufacturers produce it in the so-called universal size. But it fits on any head, as it is equipped with a special clasp.

What does it look like

This medical accessory has an annular shape. In fact, this is a simple bandage - elastic or ordinary. If desired, it is permissible to wear a bandage instead.

Today, in pharmacies or specialized medical equipment stores, you can buy a special head bandage. According to its characteristics, it is no different from a compression bandage after otoplasty. But it looks much more presentable.

Such an accessory is very similar to the bandage that athletes usually wear. Often it can be seen, for example, on tennis players. It differs, as already mentioned, only in the presence of an adjustable fastener (Velcro).

Duration of wearing

Many are interested in how long the bandage will have to be worn. As a rule, the doctor recommends walking in it for at least a week. The maximum term is 14 days. You can remove this accessory only with the permission of the doctor.

After the doctor has put on the patient a compression bandage, the latter can go home. True, then he will need to make several more visits to the clinic so that the surgeon can monitor how the rehabilitation is going and make dressings.

The bandage needs to be changed. This is necessary to maintain hygiene and prevent the development of pathological processes.

The patient should be dressed at least twice:

The next day after the operation. At the same time, the doctor evaluates the work done.
On day 8. The stitches are removed. The surgeon carefully examines the auricles and gives recommendations for care.

The correct wearing of a compression bandage after otoplasty and compliance with all the rules of rehabilitation will largely determine the cosmetic effect of the intervention.

Possible complications

Otoplasty is not a complex and traumatic operation, so if all the recommendations for the rehabilitation period were strictly followed, complications are extremely rare. Negative consequences after otoplasty occur in cases where:

infection and rotting of the seams occurs;
inflammation is activated due to the refusal of antibiotics;
bleeding occurs due to mechanical trauma;
the ear is deformed due to the displacement of the fixing bandage.

Extremely rarely, due to the insufficient qualification of the surgeon, there is a complete or partial loss of ear sensitivity, as well as a curvature of the shape of the auricle. Therefore, before deciding on an operation, it is necessary to collect as much information and feedback as possible about the doctor and clinic where otoplasty will be performed.

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