Exact answer: After about 2weeks
Correction of the shape, size, and proportion of the ear patient decided to have the otoplasty surgery. The recovery of the surgery takes around 6 weeks and it’s really crucial to take care of this delicate part. Any serious injury will undo all hard work. In such cases, it’s really important to take care of your ears while sleeping.
Any bad posture while sleeping will give unnecessary pain and multiple infections which lead to swelling. These conditions will worsen the condition of your ears than before. The perfection of the surgery depends on the way the patient deal with the guidelines. The role of the surgeon and the patient is vital. The doctor’s guidelines and the way patients follow positively and pay intense attention to the recovery process decide the success of the surgery.
How Long After Otoplasty Can You Sleep On Your Side?
| Minimum time required | 2 weeks |
| Average time required | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Maximum time required | 3 weeks |
During the first week after the surgery of ears, the patients should not rest taking the back as their support. If one sleeps confined to one side only, he/she may face discomfort leading to an increase in swelling. The healing process might be interfered leading to delay. On being advised by doctors, one can change his/her posture.
The sleeping posture is an important part of aftercare and hence shouldn’t be neglected. The patient should sleep in such a way that the ears should not get any pressure leading to their folding. The ears should be held in position with the help and support of pillows. One should place multiple pillows behind the head and an equal proportion of pillows should also be placed at the side of the head.
The sleeping posture determines the healing efficiency. To ensure faster healing, one should not try to affect the ear with the sleeping posture. The pillow technique elevates the ears and holds them in position. It reduces pain and swelling. The chances of damage to the affected area are even lowered thereby reducing the chances of bruises and ensuring faster and efficient healing.
Sleeping on a recliner is the best option available for patients. It is available as an alternative especially for persons who find difficulties in sleeping in a bed in the positions prescribed by doctors. Such individuals can go for a recliner, which will ease pain and would provide relief. One can have as much movement as desired in a recliner without the worry of damage to the ears.
After the surgery, aftercare is the most important phase. The body, especially the affected portion needs enough time, care, and attention to heal itself properly within a short time. If one follows the proper aftercare routine then there are minimum chances of infections and other complications. At last, one should not forget the importance of a balanced, healthy diet to provide the body with sufficient energy to recover and heal.
Why Should You Wait For So Long Sleep On Your side After Otoplasty?
It will definitely take two weeks as your surgery area will be fresh and tender you cannot give any stress to that area before enough recovery for any kind of stress. If you follow the doctor’s advice and take proper care along with all medicines then it will take a minimum of 14 to 15 days to reach that position for side sleep.
The first 48 hours of the surgery are so crucial, need to take complete rest is necessary. You have to keep your head elevated. You will be in a dressing which you have to keep 24hrs then you can change that one with a fresh dressing.
You can ask your surgeon for some extra efforts that you can put for quick recovery. The proper guidelines will be provided to you by the surgeon about your sleep tactics and all. Use a bit larger pillow it will provide you room and extra safety. You can use carry air pillow if you’re traveling a lot.
After your dressing gets removed you can ice packs on the surgery area along with ointment and medicine. Don’t do any kind of physical work before 7 to 10 days of your surgery. If you get affected by any unnecessary injury it will undo all your surgery hard work. If you are a side sleeper you can adjust for two weeks by sleeping straight keeping your face upward. It will be better for your surgery ears and it will get enough time for recovery.
Conclusion
To avoid the risk the best choice is to sleep on your back. It not only keep your surgery ears safe but also provide you with a good posture for your body. Having surgery ears will definitely become a little difficult to sleep. Always use a pillow, it will protect your ears, if your turn and twist it will protect it somehow.
Your doctor will definitely advise you to take at least 2 weeks before you move to your side for sleeping. As operation recovery is a gradual process it will take the required time to bear some weight over it.