The recovery process is crucial to any surgical procedure, including ear reshaping plastic surgery (otoplasty). The patient should take all precautions necessary during the recovery phase in a committed manner to allow for a safe and predictable healing process.
The surgeon will provide the patient with information on the expected downtime, post-operative care, maintaining of surgical drains, normal post-operative symptoms, and signs of potential complications.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides otoplasty to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding communities.
Early Post-Operative Phase
After the otoplasty, the patient will have dressing wrapped around the ear(s). The surgeon will evaluate the incision area and replace this heavy bandage with a lighter dressing. The patient should make sure that the dressing remains in place until the surgeon instructs otherwise.
The patient will generally be able to return home from the surgical venue on the same day. But they should arrange for someone responsible to drive them back home after the procedure.
The surgeon may also prescribe mild pain medications to ensure that the patient remains comfortable during the initial recovery phase.
Recovery Time Frame
The patient should ideally arrange for someone to help them at home, at least for the first 24 hours of the recovery period. In the initial week after the otoplasty, the patient should get adequate rest but perform short walks and light activities within the home to improve blood supply to the incision areas.
The patient should keep their head in an elevated position while resting to manage discomfort. They should not rest their head on the operated ear to prevent pain and throbbing. The surgeon will inform the patient when the dressing will be taken out and may prescribe an antibiotic ointment for the incision sites.
The patient will need to go to the surgeon’s office in around one week after their ear reshaping cosmetic surgery. The drains and sutures will be taken out at this time.
The recovery process for each patient is different. But most patients can resume their routine in around a week after the procedure. The final outcomes of the procedure will start manifesting in nearly two weeks. However, there will be minor improvements in the ears for up to one year as your ear’s shape comes to fruition.
Longevity of Results
Patients should not smoke and take specific medications such as blood thinners for many days before and after ear reshaping surgery.
This will reduce the risk of delayed healing and help enhance the recovery process. The results of otoplasty typically sustain for the patient’s entire lifetime unless there are any incidents that affect the shape and size of the ears.
Patients should visit the surgeon for their scheduled follow-up appointments and assessment in a dedicated manner. They should contact the ear surgeon promptly if they notice any abnormal changes in the ears or other symptoms.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet comprises essential nutrients that help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infection for a safe recovery process. The patient’s diet should contain adequate amounts of lean proteins such as chicken, fish, eggs, light cheese, and yogurt to enhance healing following the ear surgery.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, NV, and nearby areas for otoplasty.
If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070
Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.