Otoplasty rehabilitation period. Otoplasty, postoperative period. Recovery after otoplasty

No less important after an operation called “otoplasty” postoperative period. The patient should be especially careful at this time and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. Otherwise, unwanted complications may develop.

Pain, swelling, hematoma formation are what often complicate otoplasty. The postoperative period is different for each patient and depends not only on wound care, but also on the body’s regenerative forces and the state of the immune system.

In this article, we will look at the features of the recovery period after otoplasty, we will tell you how long it usually takes for the ears to heal, and what consequences, other than swelling, may develop.

Recovery after otoplasty

Recovery after otoplasty takes every patient different times. On average, it takes about 30 days for cartilage to heal completely. Fast and effective recovery after otoplasty is possible only with strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations.

In the postoperative period, the patient is advised to avoid excessive physical activity, stress on the ears, in the first weeks you should not be exposed to ultraviolet radiation. You should also not wash your hair for two to three days after surgery.

The dressing is especially important in the postoperative period. It should be worn for 5-7 days. Every 2-3 days the doctor changes the dressing. After removing the bandage, the patient is recommended to wear a special compression bandage at night (for 30 days), which will help consolidate the results of the operation and protect the ears from damage during sleep. After how long the sutures are removed can only be determined by the attending physician; judging by reviews, the sutures are removed in most patients on approximately 7-14 days.

Antibiotics, which are prescribed for 5-7 days, will help speed up recovery after otoplasty and prevent infection. It is also advisable to use local funds(gels, ointments) with regenerating properties. Will provide fast recovery and healthy, good sleep, rest, rational, fortified nutrition.

How long does it take for ears to heal after otoplasty?

The most concerning question for patients is how long does it take for ears to heal after otoplasty? The healing process occurs differently for everyone - for some: for some, healing is faster, for some, the process of recovery and elimination of consequences takes longer. It takes 7 to 14 weeks for the wound to heal at the incision site, and full recovery cartilage may even take a month or more. The final result of otoplasty is noticeable only after six months.

You can find out approximately how long it takes for ears to heal after otoplasty by reading reviews from patients, or from the doctor who performed the operation and is monitoring the course of the postoperative period.

Possible consequences of otoplasty

Is otoplasty dangerous? Consequences, as with any other surgical intervention, cannot be excluded. The most common consequences of otoplasty, based on patient reviews, are pain, swelling, hematoma formation, and infection.

With a normal course of the postoperative period and proper care After the wound, these consequences of otoplasty (pain, swelling) disappear within two weeks. However, another outcome is also possible. Often, if the patient does not comply with the doctor’s recommendations, the wound becomes infected. This can lead to the development of perichondritis and suppurative chondritis.

Hematoma also serious consequence surgery called otoplasty. Its consequences can sometimes be disastrous. The hematoma, putting pressure on the tissues, leads to their atrophy and then necrosis. Necrotic tissue is not viable and can be surgically removed.

Otoplasty: swelling and other complications

Complications are something that both patients and surgeons fear after any operation, and otoplasty is no exception. Complications after it are divided into early and late.

Otoplasty, complications in the early postoperative period

So, the most common early complications of an operation such as otoplasty:

Swelling – often decreases a few days after surgery. It can last from two weeks to a month and a half after otoplasty was performed. Edema is the body's physiological response to tissue injury and should not be a cause for concern unless it increases.
Decreased sensitivity can be observed up to two months after surgery.
Pain is associated with tissue injury; often the most asked question is: “How long will it hurt?” An unpleasant complication observed for no longer than three days and treated with painkillers.
Hematoma - dangerous complication otoplasty, as it can lead to tissue necrosis. If a hematoma forms, it is opened, after which the wound is washed, a bandage is reapplied and a course of antibiotics is prescribed.
Infection is accompanied by pain, redness, purulent discharge from the wound. Eliminated with antibiotic therapy.
Allergy.
Maceration of the epithelium - occurs due to a too tight bandage.

Otoplasty, complications in the late postoperative period

Late consequences include the cutting of sutures, distortion of the ear, the formation of keloid scars, and asymmetry of the ears.

So, the possible and most common complications can be after otoplasty surgery: swelling, pain and hematomas. But the development of complications and how long the recovery and healing period will last depends directly on the state of health and compliance with the regimen prescribed by the doctor.

A bandage after otoplasty is an indispensable attribute 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?

Read in this article

Why do you need a bandage after otoplasty?

The main function of the bandage is to securely fix the ears after surgical intervention and protecting 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 activity. 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 mechanical damage. The advantages of this type are the following:

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

Compression bandage for 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 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, complete restoration of cartilage occurs. 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 ears saved 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.

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 ears and seams should not be touched if possible.
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.

Another examination and removal of sutures is scheduled for 7-10 days.. 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 pain and during 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 surgery leads to predictable and, accordingly, expected complications, as well as unpredictable ones.

Bruises after otoplasty are a response to surgery. 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.

There are very few people in the world who are completely satisfied with their appearance, and they can rightfully be called lucky. But today, thanks to active development plastic surgery Almost any flaw in appearance can be corrected. One of the most popular operations is otoplasty. This surgical correction shape or size of the ear.

Otoplasty is not complex operation, has practically no side effects and contraindications, does not last long (up to an hour), does not require long-term hospitalization, as a rule, the patient can be discharged home on the same day. But reconstructive surgery- this is only the first step on the path to perfect ears, immediately after it begins no less important period– rehabilitation after otoplasty, which determines not only the speed of recovery, but also the consequences of the operation.

Rehabilitation after otoplasty is a complex process that includes several options. rehabilitation treatment and rules of conduct. Let's look at the most important of them.

Compression bandage

Perhaps, the consequences of otoplasty most depend on compliance with the plastic surgeon’s recommendations for wearing a special compression bandage. The latter is put on immediately after the operation over the aseptic one. Its main task is to keep the ears pressed to the head. It also protects against accidental injury Everyday life and during sleep, prevents severe bruising and swelling of the postoperative wound.

Depending on the size of the surgical intervention, it is necessary to wear a bandage from 7 to 14 days. By appearance it resembles a tennis court, so you don’t have to worry about people around you looking at you.

Necessary medications in the postoperative period

Immediately after otoplasty, the patient is given parenteral painkillers to relieve pain. But painful sensations may still bother you during the first 3 days after surgery. To make rehabilitation more comfortable, the patient is discharged non-narcotic analgesics in tablets for this period.

Be sure to prescribe a course of antibiotics wide range to prevent infection of a postoperative wound (5-7 days).

To the complex drug treatment also include the use of external dosage forms(ointments, gels, creams) that promote fast healing wounds and have antibacterial properties. Selects medications only plastic surgeon.

Bruising and swelling

Despite the low invasiveness of otoplasty, bruising and swelling cannot be avoided, but steps can be taken to minimize these consequences of the intervention. For this purpose, wearing a compression bandage and special, absorbable hematomas are prescribed, medications. Typically, bruises last up to 7 days. To reduce swelling, you need to limit yourself to salty and spicy foods, which retain moisture in the body.

Dressing and removal of stitches

The consequences of otoplasty also depend on the timeliness of postoperative dressings and removal surgical sutures. Typically, about three dressing changes are needed after surgery. Each time, a gauze swab is impregnated with medicines containing wound healing and antiseptic properties, a compression bandage is put on top. Sutures are removed one week after otoplasty. To do this you will need to visit the clinic.

Night sleep

This is very important point rapid rehabilitation, since in a dream a person does not control his movements and can injure the operated ear. You need to sleep on your back and always with compression bandage on the head.

Final result

The consequences of otoplasty and the rehabilitation performed can be seen 2 weeks after the operation - that’s when the swelling will completely disappear, the bruises will disappear and you won’t have to wear a bandage anymore. At first, some discomfort may be felt and the sensitivity of the skin of the operated ears may decrease, but after 2 months all unpleasant sensations disappear completely. It must be emphasized that otoplasty does not affect hearing in any way.

To speed up recovery as quickly as possible after plastic surgery, not only after otoplasty, you can use the services of hardware cosmetology and physiotherapeutic procedures offered by the clinic.

You also need to remember the following recommendations:

Do not wash your hair before removing the stitches (risk of infection);
Avoid physical overexertion so that your blood pressure does not increase (postoperative bleeding may begin);
Forget about glasses for 2 months until complete healing;
It is not recommended to wear earrings during the first two months after otoplasty.

By following all the described principles of rehabilitation and the advice of your plastic surgeon, your recovery will be as quick and successful as possible.

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, adjust 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 distinguish yourself from physical activity and other actions 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.