Just Had Your Ear Surgery?
This page contains all of your post-surgery instructions. Conveniently located in Jacksonville, Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, led by double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Phillip Garcia, offers otoplasty to patients residing in Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Lakeside and nearby areas in North Florida.
Thinking about otoplasty?
Click here for pre appointment guidance.
Already scheduled an otoplasty consultation?
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Scheduled ear surgery?
Click here for pre surgery instructions.
What is Otoplasty?
The otoplasty recovery process is crucial for ensuring successful results from your ear surgery. It is important to take extra care of your body in the weeks following the procedure and allow it to heal properly. The recovery process primarily involves rest and adhering to the post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Garcia. If you want to ensure a smooth and successful recovery, keep reading to learn more about what to expect during the otoplasty recovery period.
Essential Surgical Documents For You To Review
Please download these essential pre surgical documents and lists of supplies
OTOPLASTY POST OPERATIVE CLEANING
What is Recovery from Otoplasty Like?
Once otoplasty is completed, patients are instructed to wear a headband 24 hours a day for three weeks in order to keep their ears in the proper position. After this initial three-week period, patients only need to wear the headband at night for an additional three weeks. Typically, pain following the procedure is not significant, and drains are not necessary. The sutures used during the surgery will be removed two weeks after surgery. Patients can usually return to their normal daily routine, including work or school, within five to seven days of the surgery. However, they should avoid any contact sports or activities that could potentially harm the ears for about two months. Athletic activities can resume about two weeks following the surgery, but patients should still exercise caution during this time to avoid any potential complications.
How Soon After My Ear Surgery Will My Before and After Photo Be Taken?
We will take your otoplasty before and after pictures three months after the ear surgery. The otoplasty photo is an important part of your follow-up visit to Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. At that time, the otoplasty before and after photographs will be analyzed by Dr. Garcia and the patient.
A Post Surgery Message From Dr Garcia
Dr. Garcia reminds patients that the recovery process is the most important phase in the otoplasty journey. At this point, the final results are entirely dependent on the patient. We’re here to help you through the recovery process in any way we can, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way.
Educational Videos
Frequently Asked Otoplsaty Post-Surgical Questions
How long does it take to recover from otoplasty?
The recovery timeline for otoplasty can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. However, here is a general timeline for what you can expect after the surgery:
- Week 1:
- You will experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the ear area. We’ll apply a headband to the ears to keep them in the proper position. This should be worn 24 hours/day. You should use this time to rest as much as possible, taking time off of work, school and other activities.
- Week 2:
- Many patients begin returning to school and work during the second week. However, you should continue avoiding exercise and other strenuous activities. Your headband must still also be worn 24 hours/day. At the end of the second week, the sutures in the ears will be removed.
- Weeks 3-4:
- Starting at week three, you can resume exercise and other physical activities. However, you should continue to avoid contact sports and any similar activities that could cause trauma to the ears while they’re healing. After your third week of surgery, you can transition to wearing your headband only while sleeping. Swelling should continue to subside as your results become increasingly visible.
- Months 1-2:
- Approximately two months after surgery, you can resume all normal activities and fully return to your normal lifestyle.
- Months 3-12:
- Your ears should have mostly healed by this point, but it can take up to a year for the full results of the surgery to be visible.
- Week 1:
Is there pain after ear surgery?
While the otoplasty procedure is not painful at all, patients should expect some pain during the otoplasty recovery process. It is during this period where the body is healing and feels the trauma of the surgical process. Fortunately, this pain should only last a few days, and can be managed with pain medications and other post-operative techniques.
When can I sleep on my side after otoplasty?
After otoplasty, while the ears are sensitive and vulnerable, you will need to sleep on your back. This ensures that the ears heal properly and produce the desired results. You can resume sleeping on your side approximately 2-4 weeks after otoplasty, depending on your progress. Dr. Garcia will let you know when your ears are ready for sleeping on your side again.
Is otoplasty permanent?
Yes, otoplasty will permanently correct the shape, size and position of the ears. However, it’s important to note that otoplasty cannot prevent future changes in the appearance of the ears that may occur as a natural part of the aging process.
