How Long is Recovery Period for Ear if Cartilage is Used in Rhinoplasty?

Question

I have seen many reports on recovery time for Rhinoplasty, but most of them do not mention anything about ear cartilage.   I just had a Rhinoplasty, which required my left ear cartilage. I could not sleep on my left side now and have to sleep on my right.   I am curious to know how long do I need to recover from it, and most importantly, when can I sleep back on my left side.  Thanks in advance.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The mild pain can persist for up to eight weeks after cartilage harvesting. This does not mean you should not sleep on that ear. You can sleep on that ear after the first week.
Regards

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I would ask your surgeon's advice but generally we would recommend that you avoid laying on the ear for approximately 3 weeks following the surgical procedure.

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

In our practice we harvest ear cartilage 4-6 times a week for our large number nasal reconstruction patients. We use an incision behind the ear which gives the best scar. I can however result in a sore ear when you lay on it for 3 to 6 months. I think this is due to sensory nerve damage during the harvesting. It all heals up in time and most patients do not mention it after 3 months.
If you had an incision in the front of the ear that should feel better much sooner than behind the ear.
Hope this helps.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

You can sleep on that ear after a few weeks. When the sensitivity is gone you will be able to sleep on that side like the other.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is acceptable to sleep on the ear that cartilage was harvested from for your rhinoplasty.  It will take three to four months for the incision behind your ear to completely heal and be pain free.  At this point you can sleep on your left side, although it may be painful it will not hurt the ear.

How Long is Recovery Period for Ear if Cartilage is Used in Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

Answer: Healing time for ear cartilage removal.

Answer: Healing time for ear cartilage removal.

Answer: Recovery period for ear when cartilage is used in rhinoplasty

Answer: Recovery period for ear when cartilage is used in rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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How Long is Recovery Period for Ear if Cartilage is Used in Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

Answer: Healing time for ear cartilage removal.

Answer: Healing time for ear cartilage removal.

Answer: Recovery period for ear when cartilage is used in rhinoplasty

Answer: Recovery period for ear when cartilage is used in rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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