Otoplasty rehabilitation period reviews. What determines the recovery period after otoplasty? Necessary medications in the postoperative period

Otoplasty - type surgical intervention on soft tissues and cartilages of the auricle, which is used to correct protruding ears and eliminate deformations and defects of the auricle.

Types of otoplasty

Aesthetic otoplasty: The operation is performed to give the ear a more aesthetic appearance.
Reconstructive otoplasty: used to restore individual missing areas or the entire ear.

Indications for surgery

Contraindications for surgery

acute infectious diseases;
oncological diseases;
blood clotting disorder;
diabetes;
chronic inflammatory diseases external and middle ear;
Some clinics do not allow surgery to be performed during menstruation.

Photo: before and after ear surgery

Necessary tests

general analysis blood, general urine analysis;
biochemical blood test, coagulogram;
blood test for markers viral hepatitis, HIV, syphilis;
electrocardiogram, fluorography.

Video: Ear plastic surgery

Operation methods

Today, there are about 170 different types of surgery on the outer ear. This is due to the large number of structural features of the auricle and the need to preserve the individual structural features of the outer ear after surgery.

In each specific case, the surgeon selects optimal method carrying out the operation taking into account the existing anatomical defect or deficiency and the expected result.

The only thing you need to decide on is the method of making the incisions during the operation. They can be performed with a scalpel or laser. A number of operating doctors insist that using a laser has its advantages:

postoperative scars are less pronounced and may be absent altogether;
healing after operation in progress faster.

It is quite possible that they are right, but much here depends on individual characteristics the patient's body.

How is the operation performed?

First of all, pain relief is performed. For children, the operation is performed under general anesthesia; for adults, the surgical area is numbed locally, in much the same way as teeth are numbed in dental practice.

Then an incision is made with a scalpel or laser, excess skin and ear cartilage are excised, and a new position and size of the auricle is formed. The surgical wound is sutured with regular or absorbable threads.
A special bandage is applied to the operated ear. The compression bandage after otoplasty must be worn for several days so that the new position of the auricle is maintained throughout the healing process.

Video: Otoplasty, ear surgery

Rehabilitation and recovery

In most cases, surgery and wearing a compression bandage, which is changed once every 2-3 days, is sufficient. Some patients need to undergo several additional corrective procedures prescribed by the doctor to achieve optimal results. As a rule, the doctor informs the patient about the need for such procedures at the consultation stage before the operation.

Sutures after otoplasty are removed 8-10 days after surgery, unless self-absorbable suture material was used. During this time, you should not wet the postoperative wound. It is recommended to limit physical activity for 2-3 weeks after surgery.

You may experience slight swelling and pain for 1-2 weeks after otoplasty, which subsequently goes away without treatment. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe painkillers.

Did you know that frenuloplasty surgery involves transverse dissection and subsequent longitudinal suturing? Read more in the article. What is blepharoplasty? How is it dangerous? Which celebrities have had blepharoplasty? How is the operation performed and how long does it take? You will find answers to these and other questions in this article.

Complications after otoplasty, adverse effects of surgery

suppuration of the postoperative wound, dehiscence of the wound edges; The photo shows a fragment of the ear where the sutures on the cartilage have separated and a section has formed filled only with skin.

formation of pronounced scars, including keloids;

bleeding from the surgical wound;
development of severe edema and extensive hematoma, which may require additional drainage;
development of diffuse external purulent bacterial or fungal otitis;

V long term surgery, it is possible for the operated cartilage to grow into vessels with gradual resorption of the cartilage and secondary deformation of the auricle;

noticeable traces of surgery on outer surface ear.

Prices

The price of ear surgery largely depends on the type of anesthesia used. Local anesthesia It will cost much less than general anesthesia. In addition, in some cases, after an operation performed under anesthesia, the patient will have to stay in the clinic for several days under the supervision of medical staff, which will also affect the cost of treatment. Prices for otoplasty in Moscow and St. Petersburg may differ depending on big side, since often it is in major cities they use advanced methods of anesthesia and surgery, which requires additional costs, both necessary materials and equipment, as well as for training specialists.

Prices for otoplasty in Moscow at the clinic plastic surgery"DeltaClinic".

Prices for otoplasty in St. Petersburg

Otoplasty (Operations on ears Oh)
Correction of protruding ears (1 ear)	from 18,000 rub.
Correction of protruding ears according to the author’s method of A.V. Kulikova (1 ear), incl. previously operated	RUB 39,500
Correction of protruding ears (2 ears)	RUB 23,500
Correction of protruding ears according to the author’s method of A.V. Kulikova (2 ears), incl. previously operated	RUB 51,500
Reduction of the auricle (1 ear)	18,000 rub.
Reduction of the auricle according to Kruchinsky-Kulikov without external sutures (1 ear)	40,500 rub.
Reduction of the auricle (2 ears)	RUB 23,500
Reduction of the auricle according to Kruchinsky-Kulikov without external sutures (2 ears)	RUB 55,500
Correction of ear deformities (1 ear)	17,500 - 54,000 rub.
Earlobe correction (1 ear)	10,200 - 22,000 rub.
Restoration of the earlobe after tunneling (1 ear)	17,500 rub.
Reconstructive operations in the ear area	+ 20% to cost aesthetic surgeries corresponding parts of the ear

FAQ

How long should I wear the bandage? The duration of wearing the bandage is determined individually in each specific case and depends on the speed of healing of the surgical wound. Typically, the wearing period ranges from 1 to 3 weeks. At what age can otoplasty be performed? Otoplasty is not usually performed until the baby is six months old. Before this period, the formation of the auricle is underway, therefore, if there is a slight deformation, then elimination of protruding ears is carried out without surgery, by fixing the auricle in correct position. If fixation was not carried out before the six-month period and the ear cartilage is fixed in the wrong position, then it is better to carry out the operation before the child reaches the age of 6 years in order to avoid the formation of complexes about his own appearance. What is the best way to do otoplasty, with a laser or a scalpel? The choice is yours and your surgeon. In any case, the incision is made along back surface auricle and will be securely hidden in a fold of skin. Is free otoplasty possible? Possible. But such an operation, as a rule, is carried out only medical indications. Is it possible to correct protruding ears with surgery? Can. Correction of protruding ears is the most frequent indication for ear surgery. How is otoplasty done? There is no single method of operation common to all cases of otoplasty. Therefore, for each patient, the surgeon chooses his own method of performing the operation, based on the patient’s needs and his own capabilities. Is revision otoplasty possible? Repeated otoplasty is quite possible if the patient does not receive desired result. Is revision otoplasty more expensive? The cost of the operation in this case will depend on the indications for repeated otoplasty. If this is the elimination of a slight asymmetry, then the operation is unlikely to be more expensive for you. If it is necessary to eliminate keloid scars, secondary deformation of the auricle, etc., then the operation can cost much more. Therefore, you will only be able to find out the exact price for repeated otoplasty during a personal consultation. How long does it take for repeat otoplasty to be performed? The period is determined by the operating doctor during face-to-face consultation. In some cases repeat operation they are not performed on the auricle due to the development of gross tissue deformation and the unpredictability of the effect of repeated otoplasty. Which side effects Can there be surgeries? Most often after surgery there are complaints of slight pain and swelling of the tissue in the immediate vicinity of the surgical wound. It is not dangerous and goes away within 1-2 weeks without treatment. How is the postoperative period of otoplasty? If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations and come for dressing changes on time, the postoperative period will pass without any problems. The only restrictions are not to engage in heavy physical labor or sports for 2-3 weeks and not to wet the postoperative wound until the stitches are removed. How long after surgery do my ears hurt? Usually the pain goes away within a week or two.

Otoplasty is the correction of the shape of the ears and their reconstruction in order to correct congenital defects or those resulting from mechanical trauma. Recovery after otoplasty involves post-operative care prescribed by a doctor: a bandage, refusal to wash your hair, the use of special ointments for the ears, and so on.

Rehabilitation after otoplasty

The result of otoplasty depends not only on the skills and professionalism of the surgeon performing the operation, but also on your compliance with his instructions during the postoperative rehabilitation period, which is divided into two stages: the early rehabilitation period and the late one.

Early rehabilitation period

IN early period(lasts 5-10 days) it is especially important to unquestioningly follow the doctor’s recommendations, since it is especially important for a successful outcome of the operation, during this period the following should be done:

Late rehabilitation period

The late rehabilitation period can last up to 1-2 months, during this period you will have to follow the following instructions:

follow a diet that includes a large number of vitamins and protein (chicken and rabbit meat, vegetables, fruits);
it is advisable to stop drinking alcohol and nicotine for the entire period of rehabilitation, since these bad habits increase the risk of keloid scars;
limitation physical activity– you will have to give up sports and everyday household activities, since as a result you risk tissue displacement at the operation site or postoperative scars diverging;
saving the body from hypothermia or overheating – low temperature can cause inflammation, and high levels can cause scar separation. So you will have to give up long walks along the winter streets, as well as visits to the sauna;
avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun rays at the surgical site, since the ultraviolet spectrum of the light wave leads to denaturation of proteins, which impairs the regenerative functions of tissues;
When washing your hair, avoid getting soap, shampoos, gels and other washing products on the surgical site to avoid chemical irritation.

Many people are interested in how long the results of otoplasty last? If you follow all the instructions correctly, the results will stay with you for life.

Bandage

If you decide to undergo an operation such as otoplasty, the postoperative period should not come as a surprise to you; it is very important, even before the operation, to have an idea of what awaits you: pain, refusal to shower for the first days, the need for dressings, and so on.

The postoperative dressing is the most important part of the early postoperative period; it consists of a cotton-gauze swab at the operation site, secured with a bandage or bandage, which can be bought at any pharmacy. Under no circumstances should you move the bandage or try to change it yourself. If for some reason the bandage has changed position, you should immediately go to the hospital where it will be replaced. The bandage protects postoperative scar from mechanical influences and infection. It should be changed periodically by doing dressings in the hospital or inviting a nurse to your home.

Complications

If you do not fully follow the doctor’s recommendations and prohibitions, you risk encountering such an unpleasant phenomenon as complications after otoplasty. The main ones:

Maceration is the impregnation of the ear tissues with liquids, which occurs due to the bandage being applied too tightly. It is treated by changing the bandage and applying medications, and goes away within a week;
hematoma – formed due to the accumulation of blood leaking from a vessel. Symptoms may include severe pain syndrome And frequent bleeding, a hematoma is treated by opening the wound and treating with antibiotics;
hypertrophied scar - usually appears due to the body’s predisposition to the appearance of keloid scars, but can also be the result of a medical error.

How to choose a clinic and surgeon

Before deciding where to get ear surgery, find reviews about the surgeon and analyze them. Compare the number of patients being operated on and the number of positive reviews and only then decide to have an operation with one doctor or another.

Since, to avoid it psychological problems, they try to spend it between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

How long to wear a bandage after otoplasty

There are about 170 ear correction techniques. However, any of them involves fixation of the operated area. A special bandage is designed to warn possible deviations V .

Wearing the product is necessary to perform the following tasks:

After otoplasty, cotton swabs soaked in special oil are placed in the ears. This is a necessary stage of rehabilitation. The bandage holds the material securely;
it is very important to save new uniform ear, and for this you need to prevent the slightest shaking of the tissues. This is the main purpose of a compression bandage;
moderate pressure helps relieve postoperative pain;
device prevents inflammatory process. After otoplasty, for some time the ear turns into a “weak link” and needs to be additionally protected;
in the same way, the bandage prevents the occurrence and development of infections;
preventing bruising is also one of the purposes of the bandage.

To complete all tasks, it is very important to choose the right product. Both excessive pressure and insufficient pressure will be equally detrimental to the result of the operation.

The duration of wearing the bandage depends on the extent of the intervention and the speed of recovery. If you ignore this requirement, the following are quite possible:

ear asymmetry;
on the operated area;
slow healing due to swelling and risk of bleeding;
inflammation and;
and scars, which is associated with lack of fixation and tissue irritation.

What does a bandage look like and what is it?

There are several various types bandage This is again due to the scale of the operation.

There are 2 types of dressings:

compression- resembles the most ordinary headband with Velcro, 7 cm wide, but made of a special material impregnated antiseptic solutions. This fabric prevents infection from entering wounds. The material is elastic, does not exert excessive pressure, but at the same time securely fixes the ears and protects from mechanical damage. The advantage of this product is head mobility. In addition, the material allows air to pass through, so it is not hot even at high temperatures;
mask– grabs the chin and neck. A special material is used, hypoallergenic, with a deodorizing effect. The mask blocks sudden movements of the head, which prevents possible injuries during sleep. The downside of the product is that it is hot in it, since the mask covers a fairly large area.

The doctor will indicate which form is required after surgery.

It is recommended to purchase 2 pieces at once in order to change them regularly. The fact is that when removing the bandage, it is necessary to lubricate the seams with Vaseline each time to prevent moisture and infection from entering, and this does not have the best effect on the fabric.

It is very important to choose the correct size of the product. The bandage should not put too much pressure on the head, much less the ears. Headbands are distinguished between children and adults, they have sizes, so choose best option It's always possible.

You can purchase the product at almost any pharmacy. Its cost varies from 1000 to 1500 rubles.

In extreme cases, the bandage can be replaced with an elastic bandage. However, this is really an extreme case, since this kind of fixation has a number of disadvantages:

The special bandage contains Velcro, which allows you to adjust the degree of pressure without removing it. If elastic bandage it tightens too tightly or, conversely, does not create the proper pressure, it will have to be completely rewinded, that is, the stable position of the auricle will already be disrupted;
the elastic bandage does not allow for the passage of air, so it is very hot in such a bandage;
It is quite difficult to guess the degree of pressure, so applying a bandage requires certain skills. In addition, ready-made head models are much more aesthetically pleasing.

A tennis bandage is a more acceptable option, but only as a bandage, and not a post-operative option, since such material is not treated with antiseptics and does not protect against infection.

Applying a bandage

On average, the immediate postoperative period lasts 7–10 days. Restoration of ear cartilage lasts from 1.5 to 2 months. Physical activity is allowed no earlier than after 4–5 months. But even these periods can fluctuate noticeably, which is determined general condition patient and compliance with recommendations.

The bandage is put on a day after the operation. Among other things, it fixes tampons and patches that are placed on postoperative sutures.
The bandage is worn for at least 7 days.
On day 8, as a rule, the sutures are removed, if no absorbable material was used, and the result of the operation is assessed. A second dressing is performed. In some cases it is possible to remove compression bandage, in others, the bandage must be worn for another 4–5 days. The maximum wearing period is 14 days.
In any case, the device is worn at night for 1 month after otoplasty.
It is recommended to sleep on your back all this time, at first with high support under your back - a reclining position.
Do not allow the product to become wet with water. As a rule, washing your hair is allowed after stitches are removed, but not more than once a week. It is quite often recommended to use only dry shampoo for a month after surgery.

Under no circumstances should you perform the dressing yourself. This is done only by an observing specialist, and only he decides whether the compression bandage needs to be worn for some more time or not.

A bandage after otoplasty is a mandatory stage of rehabilitation. It is extremely important to maintain a stable position of the ears, otherwise complications are inevitable. The type of bandage and period of wearing is determined by the surgeon based on the patient’s condition.

This video will also tell you about wearing a bandage after surgery:

No less important after an operation called “otoplasty” is the 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 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, are not 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.

Otoplasty is surgery to correct the ears. This operation lasts on average no more than an hour and is not considered too complicated. It would seem that you need to find a specialist and everything will be successful. But not everything is so simple. The final result after correction will depend on the skill of the surgeon, as well as the method he chooses. No matter how well the otoplasty is done, rehabilitation after the operation will consolidate the achieved result. Therefore, the role of the recovery period cannot be underestimated.

Rehabilitation. The first days and hours after otoplasty.

Tin surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, so three hours of post-operative medical observation will be sufficient for the patient. If used general anesthesia, then the person must stay in the blade for about a day. The patient is immediately given a special bandage after the surgical procedure. It is necessary in order to fix the ears pressed to the head, to prevent swelling after otoplasty and also protect your ears from mechanical damage. The patient undergoes the first dressing the next day after surgery. For subsequent scheduled examinations and dressing changes, you need to go to the clinic every two to four days. You are allowed to wash your hair after three to four days. After otoplasty, a person may feel pain. Such painful sensations relieved with analgesics. Usually the doctor prescribes healing agents, and to prevent inflammation, a course of antibiotics. If the sutures were placed with absorbable material, there is no need to remove them. Pain, swelling and bruising after otoplasty disappear completely within a week, sometimes a little longer. Everything will depend on the individual characteristics of the person. To prevent swelling, it is recommended to exclude acute and salty food, as it retains water in the body and causes thirst.

The protective, fixing bandage will have to be left on for some time. In some data cases, the period is three days, while in others it can last a week. In each situation, this time will be determined by a specialist. But even after a month and a half, it is not recommended to sleep without an elastic bandage, since any awkward movements can injure the ears and affect the aesthetic result of the procedure. surgical correction. Even successful otoplasty itself requires limited physical activity. You can return to sports gradually, but not earlier than two months after the operation. Doctors must ensure that people know the simple rules and understand the importance of following them. Fast rehabilitation and the final result of ear surgery is a common task for the patient and the doctor.