Can I Still Kickbox After Otoplasty?

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

Dear Shreveport,

As you can see, you get many different opinions on the subject.  I can understand how you would like an otoplasty if you don't like the way your ears look.  I also understand that we all want to live our lives the way we want.  If you do decide to get the procedure, you should understand the risks thoroughly.  You should give your ears at least few months (6 or so) to heal so that the sutures won't be undone by the trauma.

Maybe it'll make you a better kickboxer if you know you have to dodge more...

best,

Nima Shemirani

Your ears would be delicate for 3 months or longer after Otoplasty Surgery. Ear trauma after Otoplasty Surgery could lead to hematoma, infection, loss of correction, or possibly ear deformity: "cauliflower ear deformity".

You may want to consider holding off on surgery until you're no longer kick boxing.

Regards from NJ:

I also would tell you (if you were my patient) to NOT Kickbox after surgery.  If you are spending the time and money for a cosmetic result, you should want to do what you can to keep that result and trauma to the area can cause problems and recurrence (you would have to do revisionary surgery).  Think about it and see when the time is right for you.

Otoplasty is a purely cosmetic procedure. If you are investing time and dollars into a procedure, I certainly suggest to patients to avoid activities which can negatively impact that procedure. Unfortunately kickboxing is a sport which can negatively impact your ears. With that in mind, I would suggest finishing your kickboxing then undergo otoplasty.

Though your ears may standup to repeated strikes, it would not be the recommended option for someone having this procedure. 

Otoplasty surgery is performed to pin back the ears. Surgery involves cartilage sculpting techniques that reshape the ears.  After surgery it is important to refrain from vigorous physical activity, especially those where you risk hitting your ears.  

During the otoplasty recovery and at least the first 6 months after surgery, a bad blow to the ear can result in pulling and breaking of sutures that are vital to maintaining the ears shape.  I advise my patients to either refrain from these activities or wear a headband when performing such activities in order to prevent the ear being pulled on. The will make a big difference in the results after otoplasty surgery. Obviously you should consult with the surgeon that performs your procedure and follow their opinion as this will depend on what is done to the ear during surgery.

First, you have to let the ears heal for at least six to eight weeks before going back to exertional acitivity.  I think then after that point provided that everything has healed normally, you can go back to that activity as long as you wear protective head gear.  It is always good to dodge and weave to avoid the blows to the head.. Some advice I got from Mr. Myagi! 

You can have an otoplasty and still kickbox if you don't mind the fact that there is a very high likelihood that the repair would be partially or totally damaged - even with headgear. My strong recommendation is consistent with several others that you have read: wait until your kickboxing days are over if you want to have a good chance of not requiring a secondary repair.

After the healing process is complete which is between 6-9 months, then you can do any sport you wish. Must remember, to wear head gear anyway, whether you have had surgery or not.