The recovery period is a vital part of any cosmetic surgery procedure, including otoplasty. The patient should commit to taking all the necessary precautions during the recovery period and allow the incisions to heal completely.
The surgeon will provide the patient all the information on the recovery and the approximate downtime and give them guidelines about post-op care. They will also explain about drain management, normal postoperative symptoms, and signs of potential complications.
Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide ear surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Immediate Post-Operative Period
After the ear reshaping plastic surgery, the patient will have a dressing wrapped around the ears. A lighter dressing will soon replace the heavier bandage after the surgeon assesses the incision sites. The patient should make sure that the dressing remains in its place unless recommended otherwise by the surgeon.
In general, the patient will be able to go back home from the surgical center on the day of the otoplasty itself.
However, they should enlist someone responsible to drive them back home after the surgery. To ensure that the patient remains comfortable for the initial few days of the recovery period, the surgeon may prescribe mild pain meds.
Recovery Duration
Ideally, the patient should ask someone to assist them at home for at least the initial 24 hours during the recovery period. The patient should get sufficient rest in the early weeks after the surgery but undertake gentle walks and light activities at home to improve the blood flow in the incision sites.
The patient should recline for rest but keep the head in a raised position to reduce discomfort. They should not rest the head on the operated ear to prevent throbbing and pain. The surgeon will schedule the dressing removal appointment and may prescribe an antibiotic cream for the incision sites.
The patient will need to return to the surgeon’s office in around one week following the surgery. During this appointment, the surgeon will remove sutures and drains.
The recovery process will differ for individual patients, but most patients will be able to resume their routine activities or return to work in around one week. The final outcomes will start to become visible in two weeks. However, the results will continue to improve for up to one year.
Focus on Good Diet
The patient’s diet should be rich in lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy items. These foods can improve healing after the otoplasty.
Longevity of Results
Patients must avoid smoking and taking specific meds such as blood thinners for many days before and after the ear reshaping surgery. This will reduce the risk of delayed healing and ensure complete recovery.
Otoplasty results usually last for a lifetime, except instances where the patient experiences incidents that may impact the proportion and shape of their ears.
Patients should return to the plastic surgeon’s office for scheduled follow-up and evaluation appointments. They should immediately contact the surgeon if they notice any abnormal changes in the ears or other symptoms.
Cosmetic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery 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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