How long is down time for an otoplasty?

Question

Thinking about finally getting an otoplasty by February next year. I'd like to know how long is the down time before I can return to physical activity (i.e. playing rugby, working out, jogging, power walking). I'm just asking because from what a friend told me (who also got the procedure) sweat can irritate the surgery wound. Thank you in advance!

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 6 weeks your surgery area is totally healed and yes you can playing rugby and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Initial recovery fir otoplasty is only a few days. By then you should be able to shower, drive a car and other daily activities.  However, exercise can increase swelling and inflammation.  I would agree that it is wise to take it easy for three weeks.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The normal downtime is a few days to keep the ears bandage close to the head. You have to wear a night ear band and refrain from contact sports for at least a month.

Jeanne A. Scanland, MD · Answer

The most common type of Otoplasty corrects
prominent ears.  This is a same day
surgery. I do not put a lot of limitations on my patients after surgery.  Most patients take it easy for 1-2 days but
can return to activities except for those that could result in an injury to the
ears such as basketball or football.  I
ask patients to not put pressure on the ears such as lying on them for 1
month.  I have them wear a headband over
the ears day and night for the first week and then nightly for three more
weeks. Patients will have swelling and bruising for 2-3 weeks usually.  Ears will be very tender at first and the
patient may want to take a pain medication to sleep for the first couple of
days.  Patients do really well after
Otoplasty and are pleased with their results

Donald J. Clutter, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend you wait 1 week before participating in non-contact
sports. You should wait at least 6-8 weeks before playing any contact sports
such as rugby.

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

It depends on which method you have the otoplasty carried out with. If it is with the minimally invasive stitch method, you do not receive a bandage and you can already go back to work the following day, also play sport and sweat in doing so. The exceptions are swimming and diving that may only be done again after 5 weeks. Professional wrestling should principally not be carried out, regardless of which method was used for the operation, because one can obtain the so-called wrestler’s ears, also called cauliflower ears, with this type of sport.

Michael Sundine, MD, FACS · Answer

Following an otoplasty you will generally have some bruising and swelling for about 10 days.  I would recommend 3 weeks of light activity following the procedure before returning to full activity.  I would not worry about the sweat irritating the wounds if they are closed properly.  If you are playing rugby you may want to consider a scrum cap so that you don't undo the procedure.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we ask patients to refrain from  vigorous exercise for at least 2 weeks after the procedure and contact sports for a month, so as not to rupture the sutures holding the cartilage in place on the ears. Anticipate the ears being swollen and red for approximately 2 weeks after the procedure.

How long is down time for an otoplasty?

Answers (8)

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