Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning or ear reshaping, is a commonly performed cosmetic surgery to reshape or resize overly large or prominent ears. It is common to have concerns about the recovery process, but otoplasty is typically a straightforward procedure with minimal downtime.
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Our otoplasty recovery timeline
The first 24 hours: the procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic and sedation and you’ll return home the same day. Following the operation, your head will be wrapped in a bulky head bandage covering the ears.
The first week: you’ll be prescribed painkillers to manage any pain in the first few days. The head bandage will be worn for the first week; this minimises any swelling and holds the ears in their new position. The bandage and any stitches are removed after one week and most patients return to work and normal activities at that point.
The first month: there may still be some bruising and swelling in the first few weeks and the ears may look overly prominent still.
Full recovery: complete recovery from an otoplasty will usually take about six weeks but you are advised to avoid contact sports for three months to protect the ears.
Otoplasty recovery FAQs
It can take up to six weeks for all subtle swelling to diminish totally, but by two to three weeks the significant portion of the swelling will subside.
Otoplasty scars are positioned behind the ear and once healed should not be noticeable. Be patient though; scars can take over 12 months to fully mature.
We have recently relaunched the Karidis Clinic App, which supports you throughout your patient journey. A successful cosmetic surgery procedure goes beyond the operating room and the app provide invaluable advice on how to optimise your recovery process as well as sending you alerts for all your post-op check-ups.
At Karidis Clinic, all otoplasty procedures are carried out by one of the best known ear reshaping surgeons in London, Mr Alex Karidis.
For UK-leading aftercare, get in touch today.
