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Cosmetic ear surgery - Recovery

Alternative Names

Otoplasty; Ear surgery - cosmetic

After the Procedure:

The ears are covered with a bulky bandage after surgery. Any tenderness and discomfort can easily be controlled with medication. If the surgery is done in a hospital, the child should go home the same day or the next day.

The ear bandages are removed after 2 - 4 days, but the child will need to wear a light head wrap for 2 - 3 weeks to promote healing. The decision of when to return to school and normal activities depends on how fast the child heals.

Outlook (Prognosis):

Scars are very light and located in the creases behind the ears.

The child might need a second operation if the ear occasionally sticks out again.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/15/2009
  • David A. Lickstein, MD, FACS, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Adamson PA, Doud Galli SK. Otoplasty. In: Cummings CS, Flint PW, Haughey BH, Robbins KT, Thomas JR. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo:Mosby;2005:chap 36.

Complications of Otoplasty. In: Eisele DW, Smith R, eds. Complications in Head and Neck Surgery. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 59.

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