Ear Otoplasty - Do I Have to Be Careful with my Ears All my Life?

Question

Hi, it's been exactly 4 months since my procedure and I'm very careful my ears don't hurt very bad but it's still a little uncomfortable. Till when can I be comfortable with my ears? What if my ear gets pulled? When is it safe ? I'm worried about me sleeping wrong where my ear is folded and things like that. When should I be comfortable? Or is it going to be like this my whole life?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You can have acute changes in the appearance of your ears if they're pulled within the first 2 months after Otoplasty Surgery. I'm not sure why your ears are "a little uncomfortable". You should visit your surgeon and address these concerns with him. Ask him to make sure you're not developing keloid scars which could cause discomfort.

	I hope this is helpful for you.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

During the first few months after otoplasty, the ears need to be protected, as recurrence is possible. It is possible for sutures to be torn or pulled. After the first 2-3 months after surgery, the likelihood of this happening with casual manipulation of the ear is extremely low. It is possible that a strong blow to the ear could injure the area even after 2-3 months, but by this point, scar tissue is holding the ears in place quite well.
I encourage my patients to use an elastic headband whenever they are concerned about hitting the ears during activity (sports, cheerleading, sleeping, etc). This is often comforting to patients to have additional support.
It is possible for patients to have lingering tenderness of the ears for several months after surgery, but this usually slowly resolves. Be sure to discuss any post-operative concerns with your surgeon.
Best,

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to
experience significant ear tenderness following otoplasty.  When this occurs, patients have a
tendency to protect their ears. 
This impulse to avoid contact, can result in the ears being even more
tender over the course of time.

For this reason, once the ears have
healed adequately in about 6 to 8 weeks, we recommend gentle massage of the
area.  This will ultimately
desensitize the ear and result in higher comfort levels.  Using this approach, the ears
eventually lose their tenderness and return to normal.

When this situation occurs,
patients should contact their surgeon. 
Their surgeons should be able to help them address this problem so they
can return to a normal life as quickly as possible.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

As Dr. Aldea mentioned, a stitch that protrudes through the skin and can be easily identified at one year should probably be removed. However, if it is simply a prominent stitch that is palpable and not necessarily visible or exposed, I would probably leave alone.

Robert Sleightholm, MD · Answer

Tenderness can persist 6 months plus.  As the scars soften, the tenderness decreases.  At 4 months recurrence is unlikely. You can return to the activities that you were doing prior to the surgery.

Ear Otoplasty - Do I Have to Be Careful with my Ears All my Life?

Answers (9)

Answer: Protruding stitch (suture) after otoplasty (ear pinning)

Answer: Protruding stitch (suture) after otoplasty (ear pinning)

Answer: You can return to normal activity post Otoplasty

Answer: You can return to normal activity post Otoplasty

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Ear Otoplasty - Do I Have to Be Careful with my Ears All my Life?

Answers (9)

Answer: Protruding stitch (suture) after otoplasty (ear pinning)

Answer: Protruding stitch (suture) after otoplasty (ear pinning)

Answer: You can return to normal activity post Otoplasty

Answer: You can return to normal activity post Otoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.