Top 5 Things to Know When Recovering from Ear Correction Surgery

Compared to other cosmetic surgical procedures, recovering from osteoplasty, or ear correction surgery, is usually pretty easy. However, there are still a number of things that you should do in order to ensure that your recovery is a quick and as smooth as possible. This will help you heal faster and minimize the risk of developing any complications. If you’re about to undergo osteoplasty, it’s wise to be aware of what to do to aid your recovery. These include:

#1. Avoid Touching Your Ears:

Most cosmetic ear surgery procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which means that you are unlikely to feel nauseous or groggy once the procedure has been done. You should be able to get up and function normally right after surgery, however. It’s important to make sure that you are making a conscious effort to avoid touching or rubbing your ears, even accidentally for a least a couple of weeks afterwards. This will ensure that your ears remain in place and prevent damaging the incisions, both of which can cause delays in recovery. It’s also recommended that you sleep on your back to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your ears.

#2. Avoid Smoking:

If you smoke, then it’s a wise idea to start making efforts to quit smoking at least a few weeks before your surgery. Smoking, and being around others who smoke can be seriously detrimental to your recovery, causing irregular scarring and poor healing. You should avoid smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke for at least a fortnight after your surgery.

#3. Keep Your Head Elevated:

Swelling is a normal part of the recovery process from osteoplasty and is commonplace with all ear reshaping options. The best way to keep swelling to a minimum is by keeping your head elevated, particularly when you sleep. Normally, a couple of pillows to keep your head up will be sufficient. During the day, you should avoid bending over as much as possible, since this action can increase the risk of bleeding. You can expect the swelling to last for around two months, and residual swelling can last for anything up to six months.

#4. Avoid Itching Incision Lines:

After surgery, it’s normal for your incision lines to start feeling itchy once they begin to heal. This is usually a good sign that your ears are healing and that the nerves are beginning to regenerate. In order to give your ears the best chance to heal, you should avoid scratching the incisions to prevent any damage. However, you should keep an eye out for any redness, heat or discharge accompanying the itchiness – if this happens, you should notify your doctor.

#5. Eat a Healthy Diet:

While it’s a wise idea to eat healthily as much as you can, it’s even more important to get the right nutrition when you are recovering from osteoplasty. Your body will need the right nutrients and vitamins to recover correctly, so get plenty of fruits and vegetables. Some patients may find it difficult to eat solid foods in the first few days after surgery, so switching to soups and smoothies can help.

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