Do Ears Move After Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, is the right surgery for those who feel embarrassed or worried about the appearance of their ears, whether to large, protruding, or uneven. One concern we hear is regarding whether the ears will move after undergoing an otoplasty, and whether they will appear unnatural As with any surgery, the skill of the surgeon has the most significant impact on how natural the results appear.
Why do ears move after otoplasty?
Your ears can move slightly after otoplasty. Most often, this motion is minor and subtle, with the overall results appearing entirely normal. The reasons for any slight changes or motion following surgery are:
- Changes in the cartilage of the ears as they heal
- Physically moving or playing with the ears after surgery, causing the stitches to loosen or come out
- Sleeping without a protective headband during the recovery period
As the cartilage naturally changes over time, not only as it heals, but as your body ages, you can expect the appearance of your ears to vary slightly. The degree of changes after surgery depends heavily on how well protected your ears are during the healing process.
What should I expect during the recovery period, and how do I ensure the best results?
You can expect the recovery period to last for six weeks. During this time, you will have post-surgery instructions to follow to ensure that you get the best results from your otoplasty procedure. Surgery can always be corrected, but it’s best to take proper care and follow all the instructions to a T! These instructions include:
- Wearing a headband during the first two weeks to keep the ears in position as they heal.
- Wearing a headband when you sleep for at least six weeks after surgery to prevent any unintentional motion of the ears during sleep hours.
- Avoiding touching your ears at all until they have fully healed
What about children?
Children have a much higher tendency to play with their ears, especially as the ears could itch as they heal. By ensuring they wear the protective headband and by keeping the incision sites clean, you can help them to get the best results from the procedure.
Why should I choose Dr. Michel Siegel?
Dr. Michel Siegel is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. These credentials set him apart from other plastic surgeons when it comes to expertise in performing otoplasty procedures. With such surgical precision available and Dr. Siegel’s refined techniques, you can expect your ears to look just as you envisioned.