The recovery process is vital to any surgical procedure including ear reshaping plastic surgery. The patient should dedicatedly undertake all precautions during the recovery period to allow for a safe healing process.
The surgeon will offer the patient details on the expected downtime, post-op care, maintenance of surgical drains, normal post-op symptoms, and indications of potential complications.
Reliable board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide otoplasty to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding communities.
Initial Post-Operative Phase
The patient will have dressing wrapped around the ears after the otoplasty. After the surgeon evaluates the incision sites, this heavy bandage will be replaced by a lighter dressing. The patient should ensure that the dressing remains in place unless instructed otherwise by the plastic surgeon.
In general, the patient will be able to return home from the surgical facility on the same day. However, they should enlist a responsible person to drive them home after the surgery. To help the patient remain comfortable for the initial first few days after the otoplasty, the surgeon may prescribe mild pain meds.
Recovery Time Frame
Ideally, the patient should have someone to help them at home, at least for the initial 24 hours of the recovery stage. In the initial week, the patient should get plenty of rest but undertake short walks and light activities within the home to help enhance blood flow to the incision sites.
The patient should keep their head in an upright position while resting to manage discomfort. They should avoid resting their head on the treated ear to avoid pain and throbbing. The surgeon will specify when the dressing will be taken out and may prescribe an antibiotic cream for the incision areas.
The patient will need to visit the surgeon’s office in around one week following the ear reshaping cosmetic surgery. At this time, the sutures and drains will be removed.
The recovery process is different for every patient. However, a majority of patients can resume their routine in around one week. In two weeks, the final results of the procedure will start becoming apparent. But minor improvements in the ears can continue to manifest for up to a year.
Longevity of Outcomes
Patients must avoid smoking and taking specific meds such as blood thinners for many days before and after the otoplasty. This will reduce the risk of slow healing and help aid the recovery process. Otoplasty outcomes usually last for the patient’s entire lifetime unless there are any incidents that impact the shape and size of the ears.
Patients should be committed to visiting the surgeon for their scheduled follow-up appointments and evaluation. They should immediately reach out to the ear surgeon if they notice any abnormal changes in the ears or other symptoms.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet contains vital nutrients that help strengthen the immune system and reduce infection risks for a safe recovery process. The patient should consume adequate amounts of lean proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs, yogurt, and light cheese to aid healing after the surgery.
Experienced cosmetic surgeons at the ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for ear surgery.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
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