When can I get a haircut? I had my otoplasty done November 17.

Question

I had my otoplasty done November 17, today is January 5th, I am wondering when I can get a haircut as my barber has to push my ear down to line it up. My surgeon put in dissolvable sutures but removed them about 3 days ago. When I asked him he said I could get it anytime but I just want to make sure that it's safe and that it won't change the appearance of my ears.

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has their own postoperative protocol.  I doubt any surgeon on here would provide advice that's different from the surgeon that knows you and actually did the operation.Best,Dr. Michael EpsteinMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer to your question is: trust your surgeon! Only he or she knows what was done and when it would be deemed safe to get your hair cut. As for my patients, a haircut is definitely possible 6 weeks after otoplasty and I don't see a reason why it wouldn't be in your case. With that said, please confirm with you surgeon, which sounds like you have already. Happy New Year!

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

If your surgeon, who knows what they did to correct your prominent ears better than anyone else, feels that it is safe to proceed with your haircut, then I would assume it is ok to proceed.  Avoiding trauma to you ears is important post op.  Many experts in otoplasty surgery suggest that their patients wear ear support at night for 6 months post operatively to help avoid relapse of the ear prominence.  Best rule of thumb is to follow your surgeon's advise.  Best wishes

When can I get a haircut? I had my otoplasty done November 17.

Answers (3)