My Son is 14 and Needs Surgery for His Ears. How Long Before He Can Play Baseball? and Basketball?

This is a common and important question.

I typically recommend that patients undergoing this type of procedure avoid activities that could expose their recently operated ears to any trauma for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Also, a head band for the first two weeks following surgery is recommended.  I tell patients to think of it as a similar concept to using a retainer after orthodontic treatment (braces).

This is a question I get all the time and I typically schedule otoplasties after the ballplaying season is over but your son is both a baseball and basketball player! I would recommend waiting at least 8 weeks before resuming contact sports. 

It is best to avoid the risk of sports contact injury for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Should the ears get bumped one or several of the sutures holding the cartilages in their new position may break causing a partial relapse of the original ear position.

 Is always best to check with your surgeon prior to performing the otoplasty procedure. In our practice, we recommend patient's are able to get back to sporting activities within a month after the otoplasty procedure.

Return to activities and sports will depend on exactly what procedure is performed. For example, after otoplasty surgery, I ask patients to avoid any potential “contact sport” for at least 2 months after the procedure is performed. Your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with more specifics.

 Best wishes.