10 days post op ear surgery, can sleeping your side really do anything? What does it do to your ear?

Question

Hi there just curious , it’s been 10 days / a week and 3 days after my surgery and I’m wearing my headband 24/7. I get scared at night incase I sleep on my side , if for like a hour I fall asleep accidentally on my side can it affect anything what does it do. Cos sometimes I’m scared and I see myself resting on it

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

Your concern is quite common after otoplasty. I have my patients wear a headband at night for 3 months following surgery so that don't accidentally bend their ear. This often provides them with reassurance at night as well. Some patients choose to wear the headband beyond 3 months, because it makes them feel more secure. Good luck!

Shagun Aggarwal, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. I presume you have ear pinning surgery or otoplasty. Surgery involves usually suturing the cartilage to itself to create the natural folds of the ear cartilage as well as from your ear cartilage back to the skull. In the first few weeks wound strength is low and by sleeping on it you risk bruising, swelling, bleeding (first week) to suture malfunction / breakage (first 6 weeks). It is hard to stay in control of what you are doing when you are asleep - it sounds like you are doing the right thing by keeping it in mind and correcting the position as soon as you become aware. Hope it all goes well!

10 days post op ear surgery, can sleeping your side really do anything? What does it do to your ear?

Answers (2)

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.

10 days post op ear surgery, can sleeping your side really do anything? What does it do to your ear?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

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.