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

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

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.

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.

 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.

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.

The donor site for ear cartilage usually heals very quickly.  I would expect that within six weeks at the most you should not even notice this region.  If you are still unable to sleep on your side by that time, you should see your surgeon again for evaluation.  Good luck, /nsn.

Hi,
Typically healing from ear cartilage harvesting can take about 2 to 4 weeks. You may still have some mild sensitivity for 2 to 3 months. However, 2 weeks should be ample time for you to sleep on your left side.
Best,
Dr.S.