Recovery from Otoplasty

Pushback otoplasty is done for improvement in the appearance of prominent ears. It is usually carried out under general anesthesia in children and local anesthesia in adults. During this procedure, ear cartilage is removed and reshaped so that it lies closer to the head. It is carried out either as a short stay or outpatient procedure. Pain is controlled with the help of oral medications.

After the procedure, a dressing is given in the form of a head wrap with a bandage. The ears are inspected on the first postoperative day for the presence of any collection. The bandages are retained for a week.

At the end of the week, the dressings are removed. Patients can shower once the dressings are out. For two weeks following the procedure, a headband is advised to be worn constantly. After this period, a headband should be worn during the night.

It is common to have swelling of ears following surgery. This gradually subsides over time. Most of the swelling disappears by the end of a month. Pushback otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure. It does not alter the hearing.  It helps individuals with prominent ears to obtain a better body image.

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