Exact Answer: After about 6 weeks
Otoplasty is the medical procedure to resize the pinna, the outer part of the ear. This is mainly done to improve appearance or correct irregularity. In the case of normal human beings, ears are placed at 2cms from the head. However, in some cases, the situations are worse which need medical help.
This is a surgery that individuals having inborn abnormalities in the pinna undergo to improve their appearance. The pinna’s main function is to assist in hearing, but it also adds up to the appearance of a person. In some cases, people complain that their ears seem to pop out prominently different from their heads.
They even complain that this degrades their appearance thereby making them lack self-esteem and confidence. While some people go for surgery right from their childhood, some even go for the surgery at later stages of their life. While the treatment is not mandatory, some people feel the extreme desire to go through otoplasty to correct the defect in appearance.
How Long Wear Headband After Otoplasty?
| Type | Time |
| Maximum Time | 4-6 weeks |
| Minimum Time | 6-8 weeks |
The best time to have otoplasty in childhood is when the child is about 4-5 years old. This is because the ears must have completed their growth by this time and would be ready for the surgery. After this age, one can go for an otoplasty at any time.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to treat irregular ears. However, it can also be corrected after 2-3 weeks of birth by non-surgical treatment. This non-surgical method is called ear molding. It is also known as splinting and can be carried out after few months after the birth of the child.
This defect in-ears mainly arises as a genetic defect. This may even be the result of some injuries or accidents. This should not have any impact on the person’s hearing. According to statistics, this case is only found in 30 children out of 100.
Generally, the shape of the ears is usual at the beginning. The deformation begins few months after birth. Otoplasty is carried by a plastic surgeon. Before the beginning of the operation, the child or the adult is administered with anesthesia. This is followed by an ear incision in the back of the ear.
The ear incision is followed by the application of stitches that hold the ear in position. This medical procedure can be completed within 2 hours. The surgery may leave some scars which are unnoticeable and may fade with time. For surgeries that involve incisions, the recovery time is comparatively longer.
However, some surgeries can also be carried out without the process of the incision. In this process, the chances of complications are comparatively. The healing time is even faster. In this procedure, the surgeon only supports the ear with a needle and this is followed by the application of stitches.
Why Should One Wear Headband For So Long After Otoplasty?
The stitches after the surgery hold the ear in the desired appropriate position. This method has been proven effective in 94% of the people who have undergone this medical process. But, there is a disadvantage of this process. This cannot be applicable for everyone especially in cases of persons where this deformity is due to the presence of excess cartilage in the ear.
After the surgery, the patients are prescribed to use a headband for about 4 weeks. In some cases, the patients are even advised to wear the headband for about 6 weeks. One has to use the headband after the dressing has been undone by the doctor. This can reduce pain and can help to hold the ears in position.
The main purpose behind the use of a headband is to keep the ears in shape. Right after the operation, it is necessary to keep the ears safe from any kind of pressure. The headband ensures that the ears are neither pulled nor folded. This is very essential to ensure a safe and fast recovery. If one doesn’t use a headband, there are chances of complications that may result due to pulling or folding of ears.
The headband also helps the ears in their process of recovery. It compresses the ears which enhance swelling and reduces tensions from the cartilage. It is even beneficial to hold the ears in their desired position. The headband doesn’t need to be very special.
A tennis headband can also be preferred. One should not ignore the doctor’s advice to use the headband. It is an essential and unavoidable part of the recovery process. The headband should be light and supportive and should be worn for few days after surgery without neglect.
Right after the surgery, one may experience some pain in their ears. The doctor may prescribe a compression garment to keep the ears protected and covered. The swelling and pain get reduced within 5-7 days.
Conclusion
There are some precautions which one should take after otoplasty. Any kind of activity with the ears, like rubbing, pulling and, touching should be strictly avoided. The headband should be worn for a period of 6 weeks all the time. Smoking and drinking alcohol may interfere with the body’s healing process and hence, should be avoided.
After surgery, it is common for ears to secrete some discharge as a response to the surgery. One should use some cotton balls and hydrogen peroxide to maintain the hygiene of the ears. The discharge should be cleaned and hygiene is of utmost importance. Swelling is common after otoplasty which can be reduced by proper care and hygiene.
Exposure to light and temperature should be avoided for two to three months. The medicines should be properly taken as prescribed by the doctor. A healthy diet should always be maintained. By ensuring the following measures, one can heal the wounds properly after otoplasty.