Can I join the military 2 or 3 months after otoplasty?

Question

Need to know if 2 or 3 months post of a ear pin (just having the tips put back) if I can join the army. Ive already waited very long but I wanted this done. I will just cancel my procedure if it is not recommended.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Usually, I advise my patients to avoid vigorous physical activities for at least 6 weeks after surgery. However, you should ask your surgeon what their advice is as it may differ.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, there are risks of hematoma or trauma to the ears after ear pinning surgery.  Avoid rigorous activity or any activities such as being in large crowds that could impact the ears until completely healed. One should expect about 1 week of bruising and swelling. Your PS may have specific post-operative guidelines that you should follow for maximum recovery.Two or three months after otoplasty you should be ready to become Army Strong!

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you should be able to join the military but double-check with your surgeon. That said, 2-3 months recovery should be plenty to heal and recover from your otoplasty.Best wishes and thank you for your service!

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Yes you can join the army. You should be very well healed by that time. Just make sure to follow the postop instructions really carefully to heal fast. RegardsDr. J

Kapil Saigal, MD, FACS · Answer

We generally recommend no strenuous physical activity for 6-8 weeks following otoplasty surgery, although light activity such as exercises fine after about 2 weeks.  It would be best to discuss this with your surgeon carefully because - if the ears are going to be pulled down ( for example, while wearing a helmet in the Army), this may be a contraindication to doing surgery at this time. Best of luck to  you.

Andrew G. Silver, MD · Answer

In general, I would allow my patients to go back to strenuous activity 3 weeks after an otoplasty. I still ask them to be careful with their ears however. 2-3 months should be a long enough time for recovery, but you should clarify this with the surgeon that you have chosen, Hope this helps!dr.silver

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

I would air on the side of being conservative.  3 months is safest, to ensure stability of the ear reconstruction. It is also possible to wear a headband to protect your ears during certain training exercises.  Ask your surgeon for specific recommendations to protect your ears.Good luck!

Harry V. Wright, MD · Answer

I had this exact scenario with a young recruit who desired a rhinoplasty for both functional and cosmetic purposes. While I was comfortable medically releasing him for duty 2 months postop, his recruiter was opposed to the surgery altogether and suggested that the patient have the surgery performed by a military doctor after he completed basic training. Ultimately we decided that the recruiter's opposition was likelier based on his fear of losing a recruit (should there have been any complications from surgery) than actual military policy or medical acumen. The young man moved forward with surgery, had a great outcome (very much enjoying being able to breathe out of his nose), entered the military and is doing very well.2 months sounds like plenty of time to recover from otoplasty to me.Best wishes!  Harry V. Wright MD, Sarasota, Florida

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, you can join the military soon after surgery.   Depending on how fast you heal, you may need to wear protection sleeping for a few weeks following surgery.  Your surgeon will be able to tell you more at the time of consultation. Thank you for planning to serve our country.

Can I join the military 2 or 3 months after otoplasty?

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