I'm a naval aviator interested in otoplasty, what would my recovery time be?

Question

Because I fly frequently, I need to know how long I would need to be med down before I can resume wearing a helmet that applies some pressure to the ears. Thanks

Jeffrey B. Wise, MD, FACS · Answer

For adults, otoplasty procedures are same-day surgeries performed in a surgery-center or office-based surgical setting.  Typically, general anesthesia is not needed.  We wrap patients with a head bandage overnight and then encourage a conventional head band (like an athletic sweatband) to be worn at night for a couple of weeks.  The ear is relatively fragile for the first 10-14 days.  Therefore, I would not recommend wearing a helmet for at least 2 weeks.  The barotrauma or altitude will have no impact on the procedure's outcome.Good luck and thank you for your service!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There are many different techniques for otoplasty, but most of them will leave your ears sore for a few weeks, especially if you need to wear a helmet over them.  I would figure on two to three weeks.

Charles Cope, MD · Answer

Hi. Prominent
ear correction is a simple day surgery procedure. Afterwards there is a big
head bandage, like a turban, that needs to stay on and be kept clean and dry
for a week. After 7-10 days you should be able to return to normal everyday activities and work (no sport for 2-3 weeks).

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

Allowing enough time for recovery is an important determinant of the final outcome following surgery. Give yourself at least 10 to 14 days before exercising and before applying undue pressure to the surgical site.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The main risk would occur from the helmet disrupting the sutures.  As long as you are careful when placing the helmet,  you can return in a week or two.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Two weeks is probably an acceptable time frame to get back to flying and putting a helmet on after an otoplasty

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

if the helmet is somewhat firm and the least bit difficult to remove I would say to use that you need to give it at least 2 weeks before returning to active flight  duty.for the most part you  can return to work in a week if everything is going well but again don't do anything put your ears in danger of being traumatized

Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH · Answer

Dear bwatersAfter the otoplasty, most people will wear a headband (NBA style)This can be worn for protection and to mold the ears while healingThe helmet could be gently placed over this headbandThe risk of developing bleeding under the skin could lead to a problem you see in wrestlers/UFC fightersCalliflower ear can occur if the "hematoma" or bleeding under the skin is not treatedLikely, waiting 10-14 days after your surgery should be reasonable as long as you are careful. Best Wishes

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

As a pilot as well, careful placement of the headphones  should  not be a problem. The  ears will be tender and sensitive for 2-3 weeks, but you  should be fine  with adequate care after 7-10 days.

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

Hello bwaters,It depends on whether you were operated on with the traditional method or with the new minimally invasive stitch method. With the stitch method, the recovery time is between 1 to 4 days because there can be pain during this time, and there is some bruising on the anthelix folds that usually disappears after a day. If it is important to you, you can already wear a helmet on the first day after the operation, as a bandage is unnecessary with this method.

I'm a naval aviator interested in otoplasty, what would my recovery time be?

Answers (11)

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