How long does otoplasty surgery take?

After making incisions, your doctor might remove excess cartilage and skin. He or she will then fold the cartilage into the proper position and secure it with internal stitches. Additional stitches will be used to close the incisions. The procedure typically takes about two hours.

Does otoplasty surgery hurt?

Ear pinning surgery isn't painful, as patients are placed under general anesthesia for the surgery. However, you may feel some discomfort immediately after the procedure, as your ears will be bandaged to reduce swelling and preserve healing.

Is otoplasty a difficult surgery?

While reconstructive surgery may be necessary to repair trauma damage to ears, otoplasty is typically a cosmetic procedure. It's not a complex surgery, nor is recovery typically difficult.

Are you put to sleep for otoplasty?

The good news is that, in most cases when performed on adults, otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia only. Your ear and the area around your ear will be numbed with an injection, and you may be given a sedative to calm your nerves, but you will remain awake throughout the procedure.

How long is ear surgery recovery?

Full tympanoplasty surgery recovery time can be 2 to 3 months. In fact, the hearing will probably be worse than it was before surgery until this packing dissolves. At the first post-operative visit, your doctor may gently clean the ear canal with a vacuum in order to inspect the reconstructed eardrum.

Ear Pinning Surgery After Three Months | Otoplasty Procedure with Dr. Kian

How long after otoplasty can you shower?

You can shower on the second day after your surgery. Please avoid rubbing the back of the ears when showering as aggressive rubbing in these areas may disrupt the skin stitches and/or cause harm to the otoplasty result.

How long does otoplasty pain last?

The discomfort and pain should begin to decrease within 48 hours after surgery. A significant increase in pain after this period should prompt you to call the office.

How long do stitches stay in after otoplasty?

Stitches will be removed or will dissolve in about one week. For about a month or so, it is important that the patient should avoid any activity that may cause the ears to bend. Usually, adults can resume work five days post-surgery.

Can you wear headphones after otoplasty?

You can wear earphones after the otoplasty if approved by the surgeon. However, you should avoid wearing over-the-ear headphones for at least one month after the ear surgery. You must consult your surgeon before using headphones or earphones or wearing jewelry and other objects on your ear.

How long are ears numb after otoplasty?

After otoplasty, your ears are numb for about 2-3 months. That's good, because it means you feel no pain, but it also means you may not feel the effects of burning and frostbite.

Does otoplasty last forever?

Permanent Results

This procedure usually creates permanent changes in your ears. If you follow our instructions after you get this procedure, your ears should maintain their new appearance for the rest of your life.

Do ears go back after otoplasty?

'Ear relaxation,' is the fear that ears might return to the natural state they had before the surgery. There are several reasons that your ears might seem to 'relax. ' However, none of these should be cause for concern. Any change of position in the ear after surgery is minimal and normally due to natural growth.

Can you get otoplasty twice?

While common, otoplasty is a relatively complex surgery that should only be performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. In some cases, patients may require a second otoplasty procedure to correct mistakes made in their initial surgery or negative consequences of improper healing.

How do you sleep after otoplasty?

You should rest with your head elevated in a recliner or with at least 2 pillows for at least the first week after surgery. Try not to sleep on the side of your face but rather sleep with the back of your head on the pillow for about two weeks. Some patients prefer an airline type pillow for comfort.

What can you eat after otoplasty?

Diet: You should drink clear liquids immediately following your surgery. The day after surgery, you should begin slowly advancing to a solid diet, starting with bland foods. If you experience any nausea or vomiting, resume a clear diet for another 24 hours.

Is it normal to bleed after otoplasty?

BLEEDING: Small amounts of oozing and bleeding are common and expected. Feel free to change the gauze as needed at home. If the bleeding is more than a slow staining of the dressings, apply firm pressure for 20-30 minutes. Should heavy bleeding occur, apply firm pressure and call the office immediately at 479-521-1500.

How much does an otoplasty cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of otoplasty is $3,156. The cost may be lower or higher depending on factors like the plastic surgeon, your location, and the type of procedure that's used. In addition to the costs of the procedure, there may also be other costs.

What are the risks of otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a safe and effective method for addressing large or protruding ears. However, like all surgical procedures, there are complications which can occur, such as hematoma, infection, abnormal contours, over-correction, under-correction and exposed sutures.

How do you hide otoplasty?

Wear your headband, especially if you've had setback otoplasty. Right after your surgery, a bulky dressing will cover your ears. One to seven days later, this dressing will be replaced with a lighter one and a broad headband that covers your ears completely (it looks much like a sweatband).

Can you drive home after otoplasty?

AFTER YOUR SURGERY: THE FIRST 72 HOURS

normal to have some temporary burning discomfort. You will be assisted to your car after you are suitably recovered from your procedure.

Can you drive after otoplasty?

Do not drive until 24 hours after your surgery AND you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics). Adults can go back to work approximately 5 days after surgery, depending upon the occupation. You may resume full social activities in 5-10 days.

How long do you need to wear a headband after otoplasty?

Most otoplasty patients wear the headband for 6-8 weeks after ear surgery while they are sleeping and during sports activities.

What is the best age for otoplasty?

Otoplasty is best performed on younger children whose ears have fully developed. This typically occurs around the age of five. While otoplasty can be performed on adults, most plastic surgeons recommend children undergo otoplasty while younger to minimize risk and allow for quicker healing.

How many times can you have otoplasty?

The good news is that otoplasty results are permanent, especially when the procedure is performed in adulthood. Once the ear has grown to its full size, it is unlikely that any natural changes will occur to ears. Therefore, the post surgery look achieved after your operation will be one that can last a life time.

Can I train my ears not to stick out?

For older babies, toddlers, children, and adults who want their ears to stick out less, the only option is surgery. It's called otoplasty and is also known as ear pinning.