Ear correction (otoplasty)
After care
- The operation is not a painful one, but there may be some discomfort. This can usually be treated with paracetamol. Do not take aspirin or drugs containing ibuprofen as these increase the risk of bleeding.
- There may be some bruising around your ears and possibly your neck and/or the side of your face. This will take approximately three weeks to settle.
Your ears may feel swollen and moderately tender for the first few weeks.
- The bandages and any non-dissolvable stitches will be removed at your follow-up appointment a week after surgery.
- You can wash your hair once the bandages have been removed. It is important to regularly wash your hair and behind your ears at this stage, but avoid any heavy rubbing.
- Once the bandages are removed, you will need to wear a sports headband for 3 to 6 weeks when sleeping.
- Once the wound has healed sufficiently, a barrier cream should be worn over the scars for 2 months.
- You should avoid swimming for one month and contact sports for six weeks after the operation.
- Depending on your occupation, you can consider returning to work once your bandages are removed. Children can return to school at this stage, but should not go into the playground for a further week.
- The rim of the ears may be slightly numb for 6 to 9 months, so you should apply sun block to this area for a year after surgery. You must also be careful when using a hairdryer.
- The scars will take approximately 12 months to fully fade. Some can become lumpy and remain raised for this time. Their final appearance varies from person to person.
Tel 0117 910 2400 Fax 0117 930 4394
Bristol Plastic Surgery , 58 Queen Square , Bristol BS1 4LF