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Restricted Head Movement After Otoplasty?

David in NYCAug 22, 2012
Hi, I'm David from NYC. I had otoplasty (conchal setback with cartilage removal and antihelical fold creation in both ears) a couple of days ago. Since the operation I am noticing a pulling sensation behind the ears. When I rotate my head to either side I feel the pulling sensation with discomfort, so I can only rotate about 45 degrees. I get the same feeling when really raising my eyebrows and fully smiling. Is this just due to the sutures and the incision healing or should I be worried?

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Dr. Anil R. Shah, MD
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Dr. Anil R. Shah, MD
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Answered on Sep 1, 2015
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Dr. Lyle M. Back, MD
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Dr. Lyle M. Back, MD
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Answered on Sep 25, 2012
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Dr. Tom J. Pousti, MD
Dr. Tom J. Pousti, MD
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Answered on Aug 25, 2012
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Stephen Bresnick, MD

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Headbands serve several purposes after otoplasty.  These include: Protect ears from outside trauma Encourage healing in a proper position Counteract postauricular edema which can serve to protrude ears forward   An ideal headband would be sufficiently...

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Matthew Richardson, MD

Be sure to check with your surgeon regarding post-operative care. Each surgeon will have their own recommendations for any procedure, including otoplasty. My otoplasty patients are instructed (after the post-surgical wrap is removed) to wear their headband as much as possible for the first two...

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