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Can you help me to understand the healing process after otoplasty?

Two week post op otoplasty. Ears seem flat on head a bit and i was wondering will there be a degree of protrusion that happens when swelling / healing / lack of headband advances? Also ears seem to be quite swollen for two weeks and i was under impression that swelling subsided 1-2 weeks after op. When should noticeable to the eye swelling subside by?

Doctor Answers 3

Healing after otoplasty

October 31st, 2016
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As you were probably operated on with a traditional method of otoplasty, it is normal that your ears are still markedly swollen at this time. The swelling subsides at differing speeds. It is different after an operation with the Merck stitch method, where the swelling lasts for an average of only 5 days.

Waldemar Merck, MD


Germany Plastic Surgeon

October 31st, 2016

Healing after otoplasty

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

As you were probably operated on with a traditional method of otoplasty, it is normal that your ears are still markedly swollen at this time. The swelling subsides at differing speeds. It is different after an operation with the Merck stitch method, where the swelling lasts for an average of only 5 days.


Germany Plastic Surgeon

Healing after otoplasty

October 31st, 2016
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Hello,

Flattened appearance of the ears is quite common after otoplasty due to headband and some swelling behind the ear that obliterates the post-auricular (behind ear) crease. This should normalize over the next few weeks. Some persistent swelling 2 weeks postop is also not uncommon- it needs more time than resolve. Try to keep your head elevated when asleep to speed up the resolution of the edema. 

Hope you will enjoy the results of the surgery.

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD
October 31st, 2016

Healing after otoplasty

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Hello,

Flattened appearance of the ears is quite common after otoplasty due to headband and some swelling behind the ear that obliterates the post-auricular (behind ear) crease. This should normalize over the next few weeks. Some persistent swelling 2 weeks postop is also not uncommon- it needs more time than resolve. Try to keep your head elevated when asleep to speed up the resolution of the edema. 

Hope you will enjoy the results of the surgery.

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD

All normal

October 31st, 2016
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so of course the headband will create a flattened impression. once it has been off for a couple of week all will spring back. The selling will affect the result and in my experience the swelling can take 3 months to completely settle so don't be too anxious until at least this time. 

I suspect all will bee well. 

hope that helps. 

Adam Goodwin

Adam Goodwin, MBBS, FRCS(Plast)
October 31st, 2016

All normal

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

so of course the headband will create a flattened impression. once it has been off for a couple of week all will spring back. The selling will affect the result and in my experience the swelling can take 3 months to completely settle so don't be too anxious until at least this time. 

I suspect all will bee well. 

hope that helps. 

Adam Goodwin

Adam Goodwin, MBBS, FRCS(Plast)

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.