Is an Elastic Headband Important And/or Necessary After Otoplasty?

Question

Hello everyone! I had an otoplasty procedure done a week ago. Everything went great, so far I am making a quick recovery and the results are notable. My right ear is still a bit swollen but I know I just have to give it time. My concern is this: After the procedure I had that bulky head wrap on for about 24 hours. The day following the procedure the doctor took it off and sent me home. He did not emphasize on wearing some kind of headband at night. Is this needed or is it just for protection?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Be sure to check with your surgeon regarding post-operative care. Each surgeon will have their own recommendations for any procedure, including otoplasty. My otoplasty patients are instructed (after the post-surgical wrap is removed) to wear their headband as much as possible for the first two weeks after surgery (day and night). For the next two weeks, patients are instructed to wear the headband at night, and as much as they would like to during the day. After one month, my patients are instructed to wear the headband as needed or for comfort.
All the best,

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

It is best to ask your surgeon his/her protocol for healing as they performed your surgery and know exactly what was done.We generally recommend that our patients wear a soft head band (not tight) to protect their ears for 2 weeks after surgery. Two weeks after the otoplasty, I recommend that the soft headband be worn at night and for any physical activity where the ears are at risk for being hit or pulled.Complying with these instructions will help ensure the permanency of the otoplasty surgery.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

I am a proponent of headbands after otoplasty for the following reasons:

	
		Protects ears from trauma
	
		Encourages ears to heal in a more predictable manner
	
		Avoids ears healing more forward due to retroauricular edema

Stephen Bresnick, MD · Answer

The headband is a way to stabilize the ear after otoplasty. The band does not by itself position the ear, but more acts to prevent trauma to the ear and to support the healing process.  I ask my patients to wear the headband only at night to prevent pressure and folding of the ear while sleeping.   My patients wear the headband for only a few weeks.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Although different surgeons have different recommendations my personal preference is to use a head band for the first 6 weeks when you are in your home and at night to take tension off your internal repair as it heals and also for protection. Ask your plastic surgeon about his preference.

Is an Elastic Headband Important And/or Necessary After Otoplasty?

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Answer: Wearing the Headband After Otoplasty: Reasons and Rationale

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Answer: Use of head band following otoplasty

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Is an Elastic Headband Important And/or Necessary After Otoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Wearing the Headband After Otoplasty: Reasons and Rationale

Answer: Wearing the Headband After Otoplasty: Reasons and Rationale

Answer: Use of head band following otoplasty

Answer: Use of head band following otoplasty

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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.