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How Long to Wear Headband After an Otoplasty That Involved Cartilage Excision?

asked 5 months ago by delac in US
Latest answer by Philip Young, MD
Question viewed 371 times
Tags: bandage, cartilage, duration, excision

I had cartilage excised from both of my ears and had the ears attached with permanent sutures to the head. My surgeon said that I should wear the headband for a month and I've been wearing it 24/7 for 3 weeks, with the exception of a handful of days. Do you think I could switch to night time wear only at this point without affecting the healing or the results?

10 answers to How Long to Wear Headband After an Otoplasty That Involved Cartilage Excision?

+1

Otoplasty recovery and wearing the head band how long and when

I usually suggest people to wear the head band 24 hours for the first 7 days after their procedure. After this I suggest wearing the head band at night for the next 2 months. You get 60'% of your healing the first 6 weeks and then 90% approximately at 6 months. The headband really doesn't pin your ears back it is the surgery that does this.
Philip Young, MD

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Headband after otoplasty

Good question. Since the most common complication of otoplasty is recurrence of the prominenet ear deformity, I am very strict with my patients about the headband. I remove the dressings postoperative day 1 to check for hematoma, have the patients change the dressings themselves for the first week, and wear a headband for 6 weeks.
Jacob Freiman, MD

Miami Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Protecting Ears after Otoplasty

Otoplasty surgery helps reshape cartilage of the ear. Each surgeon has their own protocol, which may vary a bit. Typically, most plastic surgeons want the ears to be protected for a period of time after surgery. The first week is the most important. Only your otoplasty surgeon can help answer your specific question. Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Otoplasty

Hi! Thank you for your question. I agree with the other doctors that it is best to consult with your board certified plastic surgeon and follow his instructions. Wearing the headband is crucial for the healing process and will benefit you in the long run. Good Luck! Dr. Sam Speron
Sam Speron, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long to wear a headband after otoplasty

There are a lot of different protocols when it comes to aftercare following otoplasty. I would listen to your surgeon as that's who knows your situation best. It's hard to know whether you would have any different result if you were to just wear the headband at night at this point, but why risk affecting your results?
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Duration of wearing a Headband after Ooplasty (Ear Pinning)

After shaping the ear cartilage with stitches the shape will ultimately be held by the scar tissue splint which forms after surgery. The reason for wearing the headband s to keep the ear in place as the scar tissue increasingly holds and secures it in place. All of us have more or less similar protocols on headband splinting of the ears but the only one whse opinion matters is your surgeon. I do not think it is proper for surgeons other than your surgeon to manage your postoperative care as... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

You may want to wear your headband, at bedtime, for a total of six weeks after Otoplasty Surgery.

I advise my patients to wear a headband for 2-3 weeks continuously after Otoplasty, and for 6 weeks at bedtime after Otoplasty Surgery. May I suggest you listen to your surgeon, and wear your headband for another week as he recommended. Other than being annoying, it will protect your ears, and certainly won't hurt. Hope this helps. Dr. Joseph
Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Headband after Otoplasty

After otoplasty, it is important to wear the headband to protect your ears. Without having you as a patient, it is impossible and also inappropriate for us to commend on or contradict what your surgeon suggested. If you are having a problem with your headband, then you should address this with your surgeon. If you post before and after pictures, we may be able to commend further. Good Luck. see video
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Otoplasty and Headband?

Thank you for the question. Although you will probably be just fine doing what you propose, you should check with your plastic surgeon. He/she knows your situation best and is ultimately responsible for your care. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Time period for headband after otoplasty surgery

You really should ask your surgeon about his recommendations. My postop protocol is this.... 1. Ear muff dressing for 5 days postop 2. Headband 24/7 for 1 week 3. Headband at night for 3 mos Regards RS Athre
Raghu Athre, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

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