Ointment for swelling after otoplasty. How is the rehabilitation period after otoplasty? Ear care

A bandage after otoplasty is an indispensable attribute of the rehabilitation period after ear surgery. Thanks to a special bandage, stitches heal faster, swelling and bruising subsides. Exist different types fixing bandage. How to choose? How much is it?

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Why do you need a bandage after otoplasty?

The main function of the bandage is to securely fix the ears after surgery and protect them from damage. It is important to keep the new one the shape of the shells, to prevent the appearance of scars or scars in the seam area. It is necessary to wear a bandage for the following purposes:

preventing the inflammatory process;
maintaining the result of plastic surgery;
relieving postoperative swelling;
accelerating tissue regeneration;
protect ears from damage and infection;
eliminating bruises.

The bandage secures cotton swabs soaked in special oil. It is important to choose the right size so that the material does not squeeze your head. For achievement desired result

it is necessary to strictly follow all recommendations during the rehabilitation period. It is recommended to follow the following rules: You can't wash your hair. The product may get into open wound
, you need to wait for the doctor's permission. If necessary, use dry shampoo.
You should sleep on your back. Incorrect position during rest involuntarily distorts the shape. To do this, it is recommended to slightly raise the head of the bed.
Wear the bandage at night. This measure prevents your hands from accidentally touching the damaged areas. Limit physical exercise
. Excessive pressure should not be allowed for six months.

Put the glasses aside. The arches can cause infections when they get into an open wound.

Types of compression bandages for ears

There are several types of dressings that are used at different stages of the recovery process. The following types are distinguished:
open compression bandage on the ears;

mask.

Compression The standard elastic version is recommended to be worn immediately after surgery. During this period, it is important to take care of the hygiene and condition of wounds in the ear area. Special fabric impregnated with an antibacterial solution and protects wounds from infection. Elastic material does not put excessive pressure on the head, protects against. The advantages of this type are the following:

head mobility is maintained;
not hot;
The fabric allows air to pass through well.

Compression bandage on ears after otoplasty

Mask

Bandage closed type fixes tightly new uniform ears thanks to Velcro around the neck. During sleep, the mask protects against accidental head movements. The hypoallergenic material does not cause irritation, the light structure of the fibers has a deodorizing effect. However, there is one drawback - in the summer, wearing a mask is very hot. This may negatively affect the regeneration process.

Bandage-mask for ears after otoplasty

When to put on the device

Can I use an elastic bandage?

Quite often the question arises about the possibility of replacing a bandage with a simple elastic bandage, which is found in every home. This is highly discouraged for several reasons:

No fasteners. The special bandage has Velcro for fixing it on the head. Often the bandage is not wrapped tightly enough or too loosely. The stable position of the ears is not maintained.
The skin doesn't breathe. It will take a significant amount of material to wrap your head. As a result, the closed surface will be poorly ventilated, which may affect the regeneration process.
Not entirely practical. A special bandage will look much better on your head than a regular bandage.
Not very convenient. It is quite difficult to guess the required tension and size of the material to provide sufficient comfort.

How to apply it correctly gauze bandage on the ears after otoplasty, watch this video:

Bandage after otoplasty on the head

On the 3rd - 4th day after removing the bandage, you can put on a special bandage. The material is treated with a silver solution, which promotes active healing. The structure of the fabric allows the skin to breathe freely. It is recommended to purchase two pieces, as you will have to change them regularly. The bandage should be loose so as not to feel pain. The size is adjustable to suit individual needs.

How long to wear the ear bandage

The first six days after surgery in mandatory put on a compression bandage. It is fixed around special patches or soaked in solution

Sutures after otoplasty

gauze. Within two weeks, examination and dressing are carried out. The stages are as follows:

The first one is put on a day after otoplasty. Analysis of the results obtained allows us to foresee possible complications.
The second dressing is after 8 days. The special suture material dissolves or is removed by the surgeon.

It is forbidden to carry out such manipulations yourself. After just a week, you are allowed to wear the bandage only before bed. This must be done within one month to avoid damaging the seams. After six months it happens full recovery

cartilage. During this period, you should limit physical activity and wear a bandage to avoid any damage.

Where to buy a bandage and bandage You can purchase this product at any pharmacy. The average price for a bandage is 1000 - 1500 rubles

. Various colors allow you to choose the appropriate option for daily wear. It is recommended to pay attention to the size before purchasing. The fabric should fit loosely on your head. Excessive pressure causes pain and bleeding in the suture area.

Possible complications

Swelling after surgery

In such situations, the following complications are possible:
asymmetrical ear shape;
suppuration of damaged tissue;
inflammation, redness and infection;

scars and scars.

Minor bruising is considered normal in the area of surgery.

Such symptoms disappear on their own within one month. The correct choice of elastic bandage guarantees the achievement of the desired result. You can purchase different types at a low price at a pharmacy or any sports store. Thanks to the fixation of the ears, the beautiful shape , the healing process is accelerated, and the risk of complications is reduced. Within a year they will be noticeable with the help of a bandage. positive results

otoplasty.

Progress of the operation

The operation is performed under general anesthesia, and is usually performed on both ears, but sometimes people have only one protruding ear that undergoes correction. The operation on both ears can last about 120 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia, using additional intravenous sedative. For children, general anesthesia is used.

Otoplasty is performed by refining or thinning the cartilage structure of the ear. Surgical incisions are usually placed behind the ear in the natural crease (where the ear meets the head) and therefore scars from this procedure are usually not visible.

The technique varies depending on the problem that needs correction, and is usually a combination of cartilage resection and removal of excess soft tissue behind the ear. In most cases, surgery involves placing permanent stitches to position the ear closer to the head. After surgical correction cartilage, the skin at the back of the ear is secured in place with surgical sutures, and then maintained in the new position using carefully applied pressure (bandage, compression bandage). If non-absorbable materials are used, sutures are usually removed 5-7 days after surgery.

Postoperative stage

During the postoperative phase of otoplasty, it is important to follow all instructions from the surgeon. Otoplasty is often performed on young children, so parents and caregivers play important role in ensuring post-operative care. In general, the postoperative period for ear surgery is 7-10 days and includes normal recovery. Complications are rare.

Bandage

Postoperative dressing is a very important part of surgery. After the procedure, the bandage compresses the surgical area and should remain in place for 48 hours. It will help maintain the new position of the ear in the immediate postoperative period, but mainly helps prevent the accumulation of blood (hematoma). You cannot manipulate the bandage yourself, even if there is slight bleeding (which is normal and should not frighten the patient).

It is important to monitor children after ear surgery to ensure that the bandage remains in place for the first 24 hours. The dressing is changed on the second and fourth days after surgery.

The dressing remains on the treated areas for the first five to seven days of the postoperative period. It is important not to move the bandage as this may increase the risk of infection and other complications. After removing the bandage, it is recommended to wear a compression bandage ( elastic bandage) at night for 30 days. This will provide protection for your ears while you sleep to prevent them from shifting when moving. A compression bandage is needed to complete the healing of the cartilage.

Pain

In the postoperative period, the patient may experience mild pain. The pain is usually very minor. However, when hypersensitivity patient to pain, the use of analgesics is recommended.

Ear sensitivity is a normal post-operative symptom that subsides quickly.

Patients typically describe feeling "pain and discomfort" rather than experiencing specific pain. These symptoms usually improve quickly after the surgical dressing is removed.

Swelling and bruising

During the first 2-3 weeks, noticeable swelling is observed. Bruises (bruises on the skin) may resolve spontaneously or require surgical drainage. It is important to remember that the body needs time to recover from surgical trauma. Your surgeon may recommend arnica ointments and medications to help relieve swelling and bruising post-oplasty. In some cases, the temperature may rise slightly over the course of two to three days.

Bleeding and bruising are rare. Sometimes slight bleeding may occur and, as a result, a hematoma forms between the cartilage and the skin, which quickly resolves on its own.

Patients are advised to stand as upright as possible during early stage recovery so that residual swelling and bruising resolve more quickly. After surgery, you should not take aspirin or medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen, as they have an anticoagulant effect.

Hygiene

It is important for patients to pay close attention personal hygiene during the early postoperative period. You can take a bath 48 hours after the procedure, but you should not get the bandage wet.

After suture removal (7-14 days after surgery), patients are advised to gently shower and wash their hair daily to keep the wound healing area as clean as possible. It is recommended to wash your hair with warm water and mild shampoo (for example, baby shampoo). To dry your hair, use a soft towel, blotting it with gentle movements.

After the procedure, patients may be prescribed a week's course of antibiotics to minimize infections.

Chemical hair treatment (coloring, perm) is not recommended for several weeks after surgery, and only after consultation with a doctor. The earrings can be worn two weeks after surgery.

Sleep and rest

In the early postoperative period, the patient needs to sleep and rest as much as possible.

Young children should be kept at a low level of activity for the first few weeks after surgery.

During sleep, the patient's head should be supported by two or three pillows in order to keep the head elevated 45 degrees relative to horizontal position. It is also advisable to use two pillows on each side to avoid turning on your side during the night, which can cause harm to the operated area. The ideal position is on your back, with your head and body slightly elevated to reduce swelling.

Physical activity

The behavior of cartilage after remodeling is difficult to predict in the early postoperative period.

In the first 7 days, it is necessary to exclude any activity, exercise, or sport that can raise blood pressure and cause swelling.

To minimize injury, contact sports should be avoided. After two weeks, you can resume sports activities, but with caution so as not to subject your ears to excessive stress and possible injury.

Contact sports may be allowed after six weeks of post-operative period. After a month, the patient can return to his normal physical activities, including gymnastics, swimming, etc.

Sun and warmth

The operated areas are sensitive to light for the first few weeks after surgery. Exposure to the sun is allowed only after 30 days. Until then, short walks in the sun are allowed, with the mandatory use of sunscreen. Recommended to wear for a month sunglasses. Avoid extreme heat (eg, sauna, solarium). The skin is still sensitive and such exposure may cause 3rd degree burns.

Scarring

Otoplasty scars are usually not noticeable because they are hidden in the groove behind the ear. In case of development of pathological scars (keloid scars), doctors practice local therapy corticosteroids and the use of silicone patches.

Possible risks and complications

Complications can occur with any operation. Cosmetic surgery is usually performed voluntarily by healthy patients. Complications after otoplasty are rare.

Complications that occur in the postoperative period may include wound dehiscence, infections, partial or complete necrosis of the skin of the ears, and large hematomas requiring drainage.

Due to the nature of otoplasty, some of the nerves that provide sensation to the ear will be shortened, and the ear may lose some sensation. Most sensation will return, but some parts of the ear may remain numb. Changes in sensitivity and numbness in the ear area are common side effect up to 12 months after surgery.

Ear cartilage has “memory,” which means that the cartilage tends to return to its original shape.

After any otoplasty, it is possible for the ears to return to a protruding or protruding state.

Rare infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

results

One week after surgery, initial aesthetic improvements in the shape and position of the ear can be assessed. After removing the bandage, patients immediately notice an improvement. Results will continue to improve over the next six weeks as residual swelling subsides, although the healing process is not yet complete.

Ear correction surgery is the most desired surgery for those suffering from protruding ears. After surgery, it is important to follow all the surgeon’s recommendations to avoid complications.

Rehabilitation after otoplasty

As a rule, the patient leaves the clinic a few hours after the operation and undergoes outpatient recovery. Sometimes rehabilitation in the ward may be prescribed for a day.

Before discharge, dressing and postoperative examination are prescribed, or for these purposes it is necessary to come to the hospital.

One week after otoplasty

For the first three days, a bandage and a bandage are put on the head after otoplasty with a tight fixation of the ears; it is worn around the clock and is not removed.

On the third day, an examination by a surgeon is scheduled, the compression bandage and cotton swabs are removed. Some experts leave the compression bandage on for another four days, but can be removed for showering and leaving the house.

Three days after removing the bandage and removing the tampons:

Hair washing is only permissible from the third day when the special bandage is removed. The water temperature should not be hot. There are no restrictions on the choice of shampoo, but if possible, ears and seams should not be touched.
You can use a hair dryer to dry your hair, but it is advisable to use cool or warm air.
The sutures are treated with Chlorhexidine or Miramistin twice a day.

On days 7-10, another examination and suture removal is scheduled.. During this period, there is no point in expecting final results from the correction of protruding ears - there is still swelling on the cartilage, and the ears themselves are too pressed to the head.

One month after otoplasty

After the first week after ear surgery, the headband is put on only during sleep and worn for 2-3 weeks.

What to do after otoplasty

It is advisable to sleep on your back after ear surgery. However, there is an opinion of experts that in the absence of pain and complicated operations, sleep is possible even on the operated ears, that is, on the side.
Visit to the swimming pool, taking a bath, sauna, hammam, sauna is prohibited until complete healing postoperative sutures, about two weeks.
Sports training are also canceled until the ears heal. At the same time, contact sports are banned for an average of a year.
Wearing glasses is acceptable after a month or two of ear surgery; at this time it is advisable to switch to lenses.
Hair coloring and cutting are permissible after the seams have fused. At the same time, it is important that the ears are not bent or pulled back ( this recommendation is relevant for 6-12 months after ear correction).
Sunbathing and solarium are allowed from 7-14 days after consultation with the surgeon. It is worth considering that the seam areas are photosensitive to solar radiation; it is advisable to apply sunscreen and a hat.
Alcohol for the first week, or better yet, for a longer period is undesirable, as it slows down healing and increases swelling in the ears.

Headphones that are inserted into the ears and large ones on top have no restrictions.

You can wear earrings from the third day, the only exception is heavy jewelry that pulls on the earlobe and ear.
Self-prescription of vitamin-mineral complexes, as well as the use of local ointments, is undesirable without a doctor’s prescription.

VIDEO REVIEW

Complications after otoplasty

Any surgical intervention leads to predictable and, accordingly, expected complications, as well as unpredictable ones.

Bruises after otoplasty are the answer to surgical intervention. This complication resolves on its own within two weeks. This defect can be hidden with a hairstyle or with loose hair.
Swelling after otoplasty, is also normal and resolves within a month. Some swelling of the cartilage may be mildly present for up to three months.
How much do your ears hurt after otoplasty?? The pain is individual and begins to be felt immediately after the anesthesia wears off. Pain after ear surgery lasts no more than a week and is relieved with analgesics.
Mild numbness may be felt in an ear or two for up to a month and a half and should go away on its own.

People who are satisfied with their own appearance in absolutely everything can be called lucky. But in most cases, we still want to change something, correct something. And then we turn to a plastic surgeon for help.

Otoplasty (ear plastic surgery), or surgery to correct the shape and size of the ears, itself does not last long, on average about an hour, and is usually performed under local anesthesia. But the operation itself is not enough for a good result.

After otoplasty is performed, the patient is transferred to a ward where he will spend some time and then go home. If desired, the patient can stay one night in the hospital. This is necessary to monitor the patient and give him further recommendations.

Immediately after ear surgery, the plastic surgeon applies a special bandage to the patient.: it presses the new ears and, at the same time, protects them from mechanical damage. In addition, this dressing holds mineral oil-impregnated cotton wool, which helps to avoid post-operative swelling.

Usually after otoplasty various medicines , accelerating the healing process, over sutures The ears are sealed with a special plaster which prevents dirt from entering. And to protect new ears from various injuries and mechanical damage, a tennis ribbon or scarf is placed on the head.

During the first three days after otoplasty, you may be bothered by discomfort in the ear area; analgesics will help reduce them, but antibiotics prescribed by your doctor will need to be taken for at least five to seven days without fail.

First dressing after ear plastic surgery, it is performed the next day after surgery. Second dressing prescribed on the 3-4th day after surgery. A week after ear surgery, you need to come to the clinic for removing stitches.

As after any plastic surgery, after otoplasty there will be bruises and postoperative edema. The bruises are not very visible and will take one week to disappear; they usually disappear by the time the stitches are removed. The duration of swelling depends on individual characteristics. To reduce this period, you need to limit yourself to salty and spicy food and hot drinks - all this provokes swelling.

Otoplasty result You will be able to evaluate immediately after the operation is completed. The final result of otoplasty is assessed after two months. subject to mandatory compliance with a number of necessary conditions.

Depending on the degree of complexity of the operation, the bandage, which protects the ears from possible accidental injuries, can be removed after three days, but the most optimal period of wearing the bandage is a week.
Until the stitches heal, you should stop washing your hair.
Due to pain and the danger of damaging the stitches, you should sleep on your back for the first time.
During the first month, you need to wear a special bandage at night, it can be a tennis bandage, or buy a special bandage after otoplasty, so as not to cause damage due to awkward movements of the head or arms during sleep.
Compared to other plastic surgeries, otoplasty is considered easy in terms of the rehabilitation period; however, you should limit yourself from physical activity and other activities that can lead to an increase in blood pressure, and also protect your ears from injury for two months.
We also put off glasses for a month and a half.

After plastic surgery to correct the ears, the same physiotherapeutic procedures are used as rehabilitation as for other plastic surgery. This may include hardware cosmetology and other manipulations aimed at making healing faster and without complications.

Photos before and after otoplasty

There are a number of minor issues that you may encounter after otoplasty.. For example, the skin of your new ears may become less sensitive. Be prepared for the fact that the return of sensitivity may be accompanied by “strange sensations”, like “goosebumps”. Soon everything will be restored and sensitivity will be as before.

Before ear plastic surgery, every plastic surgeon explains to his patient that plastic surgery on the ears does not affect hearing in any way. Unpleasant sensations in the postoperative period are absolutely natural. But you need to be patient, and soon you will appreciate the result of otoplasty and will rejoice at your perfect ears, on which not a trace of the operation will remain.

Correction of the shape and location of the ears can be carried out under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The choice of pain relief method depends on the characteristics and volume surgical intervention, the wishes of the patient are also taken into account.

If you do not want to be conscious during ear surgery, the operation will be performed under light anesthesia. In this case, we recommend staying in the clinic room for the first 24 hours after the correction. If plastic surgery is performed under local anesthesia, you can leave the clinic after 3-4 hours.

Bandage after otoplasty

All patients who have undergone otoplasty have an aseptic gauze bandage applied to their ears after surgery. It is fixed on top with a circular elastic bandage. A compression bandage presses the ears to the head, fixes them anatomically correct position, protects the ears from mechanical damage. It also helps reduce the severity of swelling and hematomas after surgery.

The aseptic dressing after otoplasty must be changed every day; as the wound heals, dressings are done every 2-3 days. The compression bandage should be worn continuously during the first week. From the second week it can be removed during the day, but at night you only need to sleep in a bandage.

Swelling after otoplasty and pain

Your ears will hurt a little after otoplasty. Usually, pain syndrome is expressed moderately and can be successfully treated with painkillers. Minor painful sensations persist for several days, after which they disappear completely.

Swelling after otoplasty persists for a longer period - up to two weeks. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce the severity of swelling. A compression bandage after otoplasty also helps reduce tissue swelling.

Sutures after otoplasty

Sutures after otoplasty are removed after 5-7 days. If absorbable suture material was used during the operation, this manipulation is not necessary. Scars after ear surgery are not visible because they pass along inner surface auricle.

Rehabilitation after otoplasty: physiotherapy

To accelerate tissue regeneration, hardware cosmetology methods are used. At the SOHO CLINIC after plastic surgery Patients are prescribed microcurrent therapy using a modern Skin Master Plus device. The purpose of the procedures is to normalize the outflow of lymph and microcirculation, improve oxygenation and nutrition of tissues, and accelerate regeneration. A short course of procedures significantly reduces the duration recovery period.

At the SOHO CLINIC, patients after ear plastic surgery are provided with three free physiotherapeutic procedures.

During recovery after ear surgery, general recommendations should be followed. Sports, jogging and other physical activities should be limited for up to two months. The expansion of physical activity is carried out gradually. You cannot visit the solarium or sauna. Avoid hypothermia, direct sun rays.

So that the ears after otoplasty acquire the correct anatomical shape, you cannot use glasses for two months. Women should refrain from wearing jewelry (earrings). It takes about six months to fully recover after ear surgery. During this period, minor residual effects after operation.

If you still have questions regarding ear surgery and the rehabilitation period after surgery, sign up for free consultation plastic surgeon SOHO CLINIC. The doctor will answer all questions, tell you about the rules of preparation for plastic surgery and the features of the recovery period.