Recovery After Otoplasty
Recovery after ear surgery varies from person to person, but most patients follow a predictable pattern. The skin over the ear is thin and bruises easily, so bruising can persist for a few weeks. Generally, once the head bandage is removed at the one-week mark, the bruising should steadily improve day by day.
What to Expect:
First Week:
At the end of the operation, a bulky dressing (head bandage) is wrapped around your head to support the ears and reduce swelling. It may feel warm or a little heavy. Mild discomfort, tightness around the ears, and temporary numbness are all normal and usually managed with simple pain relief. The head bandage must stay on for the first week and kept dry when showering. Taking this week off work or school is recommended. Sleeping propped up on pillows helps avoid pressure on the ears and reduces swelling.
Weeks Two to Three:
At the one-week review appointment, the dressing will be removed, and the surgeon will check the healing of each ear. The ears may still be bruised and appear quite set back, but over the next few weeks they will gradually move forward. You will no longer need the bulky bandage but should wear a soft protective headband to maintain ear position and prevent accidental bumps or folds, especially during sleep. Swelling continues to settle, and most people can return to normal routines including school, work, and gentle exercise. Hair can be washed gently using shampoo without pulling the ears forward. Swimming and situations where the ears could be bumped or twisted should still be avoided.
After Four Weeks:
By the fourth week, the ears usually feel more natural, although mild swelling or firmness may persist for several months. The headband is typically worn only at night for a full six weeks after surgery. Light exercise is generally safe, but swimming should be avoided for six weeks and contact sports for at least eight to twelve weeks. The shape of the ears will continue to improve as swelling resolves.
Possible Risks:
Most people recover well from otoplasty, but complications can occur. Common temporary issues include bruising, swelling, and numbness around the ears, which usually resolve over time. More significant risks may include:
- Infection or bleeding, including haematoma (collection of blood under the skin) which may need drainage.
- Asymmetry if ears heal differently from each other.
- Gradual return of the ears toward their original position or over-correction.
- Internal sutures may be felt under thin skin or become visible.
- Scarring behind the ears is usually fine, but some patients may develop thicker scars such as keloids or hypertrophic scars.
Medicare Coverage:
Medicare may provide a rebate for otoplasty if the procedure is performed to correct prominent ears causing significant functional, psychological, or social difficulty, usually in children and adolescents under 18. Adults may qualify if ear prominence is related to a congenital anomaly. Surgery performed purely for cosmetic reasons is not covered by Medicare, and private health insurance typically does not cover hospital costs. Even with a Medicare item number, out-of-pocket costs may apply for surgery, anaesthesia, or hospital fees depending on insurance coverage.
