Recovery
You will be given detailed home care instructions to follow to help ensure a smooth recovery. Like the operation, the details of recovery will depend on what type of otoplasty is performed. However, there are some generalities to consider:
- Most patients are able to return to work or school in 1 to 2 weeks
- Bandages will be put onto the ears to help with swelling and healing
- Patients who are children must understand that they cannot touch their ears during recovery
- Swelling, tenderness, or numbness may occur at incision sites
- Sutures will be removed within two weeks
- Patients should not sleep on their side
- Sports, working out, and other strenuous activities should be avoided for two weeks
- Final results are apparent in about three weeks
- Results are permanent