If you recently had ear surgery in Albania, you should be aware that the healing process needs specialized and careful attention. It’s crucial to follow the suggestions and guidance your doctor will provide you. You’ll heal quickly and comfortably if you rest, take care of the sutures, and take your prescription medicine as directed by your doctor. Intense exercise, nicotine use, and alcohol use should be avoided since these will delay the process. Additionally, the body will require ample food and liquids to stay hydrated. Attending follow-up consultations and seeking medical guidance for any issues are the last steps to a complete and rapid recovery.

Why is Ear surgery done?

Sometimes ears can stick out from your head, and they are not a good fit for the size of your head and sometimes they may look deformed due to a previous surgery. This procedure is called Otoplasty. Usually, the operation is done on both ears to improve the symmetry and make the face look more balanced. This procedure will not impact your hearing and the location of them. 

What you can expect

Before

It’s important to understand that otoplasty can be performed either in a hospital environment or in a cosmetic surgery facility if you’re thinking about getting it done. Your surgeon may decide to put you under sedation and local anesthesia to numb certain portions of your body to not feel any pain during the treatment, depending on the details of your case. As an alternative, you could get general anesthesia before the procedure to make you asleep and numb. To choose which course of action is best for you, it’s crucial to discuss all of these alternatives with your surgeon and choose what’s the best course of action. 

During

The otoplasty procedure the doctor chooses will rely on the correction you might require in your particular circumstance. Depending on the precise technique employed, the incision and scar’s position will vary. Either the backs of the ears or the inner ear creases will be used for the incisions. The surgeon might cut away any superfluous cartilage or skin that would need to be removed after making the incisions. The cartilage will be skillfully folded into the proper position, and will then be sewn internally. Additional stitches will be used to seal the incisions. The procedure typically takes two hours to complete.

After

Your ears will be bandaged to offer support and protection after an otoplasty procedure. You could have a little pain and itching, so it’s important to take any painkillers your doctor has recommended exactly as directed. Contact your doctor right away if you have taken medication for pain and still notice a lot of discomfort.

It is recommended to not fall asleep on your sides, as well as press or exert too much energy on the incisions, to prevent placing pressure on your ears. Wearing button-down shirts or shirts with loose-fitting collars will also help as they avoid contact with the treated area. 

Your doctor will remove the bandages a few days after your treatment, and you may notice that your ears are swollen and red. For the first few weeks, it is recommended you sleep with a loose headband covering your ears to prevent unintentionally moving your ears forward.

In some cases, the sutures will dissolve on their own, while in other cases they might need to be removed at the doctor’s office in the weeks after the procedure. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor when your stitches will need to be removed. Asking your doctor whether it is okay to start regular activities like bathing and exercise is also very important. He will advise you when is the best time to do certain activities. 

Who is a good candidate for ear surgery?

There are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about having surgery on your ears. Children who are typically healthy and free of any serious diseases or untreated chronic ear infections are the greatest potential patients. They should be able to follow directions clearly and be at least five years old, or when their ear cartilage is stable enough for correction. They must be able to express their emotions and refrain from objecting when surgery is considered.

Adults and teens who are healthy and free of any problems that might prevent healing from occurring make the best candidates. They should not smoke, have a positive view of life, and have clear objectives for the operation.

It’s important to keep in mind that ear surgery is a highly individualized treatment that you should do only for yourself, not to satisfy the aspirations of others or to attempt to conform to some type of ideal image.

What are the advantages of ear surgery?

Sometimes referred to as ear pinning, otoplasty is a procedure that aims to regulate any possible asymmetries and provides its patients with a more balanced look that fits their faces naturally. Many people will benefit from this surgery and their self-esteem will improve making them more confident. No visible scars will be left behind as the stitches are well hidden behind the ears. 

What are the risks or complications of this procedure?

Another thing to be taken into consideration if you have decided to go further with Otoplasty is to understand the risks and possible complications that may happen. While ear shaping surgery is considered very safe and not risky, just like with any other surgery there are some risks to keep in mind. Firstly, an allergic reaction can be possible for some individuals that may be caused by the materials used during the procedure. 

Another possible side effect can be excessive bleeding blood clots that may be formed, or even changes in the skin color. Anesthesia always poses a risk during surgical procedures, so it is possible even in this case. In rare cases, a follow-up procedure may be needed if the first surgery doesn’t meet the patient’s expectations, or if something has gone wrong during the recovery process.

What should I expect during my ear surgery recovery?

Some level of discomfort and pain is considered normal in every surgical procedure, so even in this case it’s nothing to worry about. These symptoms can be kept in control by taking pain medications. The bandages should remain untouched and you should avoid changing them by yourself, for as long as the doctor has advised you. If you remove them prematurely it can cause damage to the ears and it can cause deformations, meaning another follow-up procedure may be required. Some of the questions you may want to ask your doctor can be:

• Will I need to spend the night at the hospital after my surgery?
• Will the doctor prescribe any medication after the procedure?
• Will I need to wear bandages after the surgery?
• Will the stitches be removed? And when will they be removed?
• When should I return to my normal everyday activities?
• Do I need to return for a check-up?

When you go home

Specific instructions will be given by the doctor and you need to follow them carefully. The ears will be covered in bandages to protect the ears and the stitches. The surgical site needs to remain clean and protected to avoid any possible infections. The dressings will also provide support to the ears and protect them from moving. The doctor will also advise you on how to take the medications and when you should come for the following visit. Notify your doctor immediately if you see any signs of infection or if any complication occurs. 

Be careful

The key to success is to follow carefully every advice given by the surgeon. As we mentioned earlier you should avoid any application of force on the treated area, not only, sunlight, or tanning beds, and any strong motion should also be minimized during this recovery period. You will be provided with enough information on how to take care of yourself. 

Some Strategies For Quicker Ear Surgery Recovery

Avoid Rubbing Your Ears

After your plastic surgery, you should avoid touching and rubbing your ears even if they can get very itchy. In this way the incisions will be protected, infections are prevented and the new shape of the ears will remain stable. Also, the perfect sleeping position will be on the back to prevent any damage. 

Avoid Smoking

If you are a smoker you will be advised to stop smoking for at least two weeks before and after the procedure takes place. This will ensure you a swift recovery because nicotine causes several issues, for example: slowing down the healing process, poor healing of the area, and even irregular scarring. Even if you don’t smoke, it’s still a good idea to avoid others who do so in order to reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke. By adopting these safety measures, you may contribute to a quick and complete recovery.

Eat a Well-Balanced, Healthy Diet

It is crucial to not abuse your food during the recovery period. You should maintain a balanced diet in order to give your body all the needed nutrients that will help with the healing process. Foods that are rich in protein like soy, poultry, fish, beans, dairy, eggs, meat, nuts, and cheese are a great option. Also, you could try consuming vegetables and fruits that contain healthy fats. 

Avoid Sun Exposure

To make sure the recovery process goes smoothly, you should avoid sun exposure for at least 3 weeks after the procedure is done. You can go out of the house, but try to cover the ears with clothing or you can wear a hat. The doctor may also advise you to use sunscreen for maximum protection. 

Keep Your Head Elevated

As we mentioned before the head should be elevated and should try to sleep on your back to avoid any contact with the treated area. After the procedure, some swelling is considered normal but there are some steps you could take to reduce it. The best way to sleep during this period is to put two pillows under your head, at least for the first two weeks. This will prevent it from getting worse. Heavy lifting, bending, and a lot of movement activities should be avoided as they can potentially harm the treated area. You should take your time before returning to activities and try to take it easy. 

Apply Ice Packs

As we know ice can make the swelling go down, so it is recommended to apply ice packs several times a day for about 10-15 minutes. You can continue doing this for the first days as it will ease the discomfort and alleviate any pain that you may be experiencing. Therefore, including ice packs in the recovery process can result in faster and a more comfortable healing process.

Take Medication As Prescribed

It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and take any recommended drugs, including antibiotics and painkillers, exactly as he has advised you to do. By following this advice you will avoid any infections, relieve any discomfort, and speed up the healing process. If you fail to follow these suggestions it can result in unfavorable consequences and additional difficulties. It is thus advisable to put your health first and to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Wear Headgear Or Bandages

Your doctor might recommend using a headband, caps, or bandages that shield your ears while they are still healing after having surgery to reshape them. This crucial step will help your ears heal correctly and keep their new shape. You must carefully stick to your doctor’s recommendations and put on the correct headband for the appropriate amount of time. Depending on your specific requirements and the complexity of your operation, you may need to keep it last for a few days or even weeks. 

Follow Up With Your Doctor

Any doctor who specializes in πλαστική χειρουργική στην Αλβανία will set follow-up appointments to check the healing process and to have a close look for any signs of infections. After viewing the surgical outcomes, your doctor will decide the best time to remove the headband and when you should resume your regular activities.