Otoplasty Recovery

An adult having cosmetic ear surgery will be able to go home within an hour or two after surgery. Because general anesthesia may be used for otoplasty in young children, a child may be kept overnight in the hospital until the anesthesia has worn off.

The ear will be sore after the surgery. The bandages can be removed after two or three days, but may need to be worn at night for a week or more. Children should be told not to pull at their ears or remove the bandages too early.

Most adults can return to work in a day or two. Children can return to school a few days after their surgery, but should avoid rough play for a few weeks. The surgeon will say when it is safe to resume sports or gym classes.

Disclaimers