How can I optimize overcorrection on an ear pinning surgery? - currently 2 weeks post op

Question

Hi, I had an ear pinning surgery 2 weeks ago. There was a slight overcorrection and I was told it would recoil after removal of stitches. It has barely recoiled. I read on here that there is a 2-3 mm recoil within a year and some suggested strategically massaging or pulling the ears. Can someone explain the details - how to massage? or when to start pulling and for how long etc.?

Paul M. Steinwald, MD · Answer

Hello "duton" and thank you for your question.  You appear to have a great early result. I would be patient and give it time for swelling to resolve naturally, and definitely not be pulling on your ears (although massage may be OK, when cleared and as guided by your surgeon).  I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of rebound if this is the way your are feeling at present (and sometimes surgeons are not-so-pleasantly surprised, so your surgeon was right to overcorrect you a bit . . . ) Premature massaging or pulling could also be dangerous in that it could cause bleeding (as well as undo your surgeon's meticulous work), so again, be patient and you probably will be fine in the long run.

How can I optimize overcorrection on an ear pinning surgery? - currently 2 weeks post op

Answers (1)