Ear correction aftercare
A general guide to recovery after ear correction: what to expect week by week, and what to do. Your own instructions come with your discharge information and in the patient app.
Contents
Your recovery at a glance
- Exercise
- Returning to sport depends on the sport: non-contact activity can usually resume within a few weeks, and contact sports usually around 6 weeks, longer for rugby, martial arts or boxing.
- Your garment
- A soft, loose headband at night (around 4 weeks) protects the ears while they settle, your surgical team will advise what is right for you
- First review
- Week 1, nurse appointment
- Full recovery
- Stitches removed at 5–10 days; tenderness for several weeks
This is a general guide for the average patient. Your own instructions come with your discharge information and in your recovery guide in the Waterfront patient app, and they come first.
Before you leave the hospital
Before you leave, the nurse looking after you will make sure you have everything you need, including:
- Your painkillers, the nurse looking after you will go through them with you
- Soft, loose headband ready for night-time use
- Stitch-removal appointment (5–10 days) arranged
- Aware to avoid Aspirin and Nurofen
- Transport home arranged
Week by week
Days 1–10 Dressing & stitches
What is normal
- Soreness and tenderness of the ears
- Some numbness of the ears
- Dressing in place
What to do
- Keep the protective dressing in place and dry
- Attend your appointment for stitch removal (5–10 days)
- Take paracetamol and ibuprofen as prescribed
After dressing removal Early healing
What is normal
- Ears remain tender for several weeks
- Numbness gradually settles
What to do
- Soft, loose headband at night (around 4 weeks)
- Keep the grooves behind the ears clean
- Hair can be washed once the dressing is off and wounds are ready
Wound care and scars
- A small protective dressing is usually worn for the first 5–10 days. Depending on your surgeon’s technique you may have dissolving stitches, or stitches that are removed at around this time
- After the dressing comes off, a soft, loose headband (a sports/tennis headband works well) worn at night helps stop the ears being bent forward against the pillow while they settle, most surgeons suggest around 4 weeks at night; there is no benefit in wearing it tightly or for months
- Keep the grooves behind the ears clean
- Your hair can be washed once the dressing is off and your team confirms the wounds are ready
Comfort and pain relief
- The ears are often sore and tender for several weeks
- Take paracetamol and ibuprofen as prescribed, they can safely be taken together
Activity, driving and work
- A soft, loose headband at night (around 4 weeks) protects the ears while they settle, your surgical team will advise what is right for you
- Take care not to bend the ears forward against a pillow
- Returning to sport depends on the sport: non-contact activity can usually resume within a few weeks, and contact sports usually around 6 weeks, longer for rugby, martial arts or boxing. Follow your surgical team’s advice
Follow-up appointments
- Week 1, nurse appointment: Wound check, dressing care and any suture removal; a chance to ask questions about your recovery.
- Further nurse reviews, as needed: Some patients need further nurse reviews. If so, the nurses will arrange these with you and will discharge you from nurse-led care once they are happy your wounds have healed.
- Around 6 months: surgeon review (final follow-up): Your surgeon will usually see you at around 6 months to assess your final result. Your surgeon is always available to review you sooner if required, and in some circumstances may wish to see you before your final follow-up.
Common questions
When are the stitches removed?
A small protective dressing is usually worn for the first 5–10 days. You may have dissolving stitches that do not need removal, or stitches that are removed at around this time, your team will tell you which.
Will my ears feel normal afterwards?
The ears are often a little numb after the procedure, and this usually takes several weeks to settle. They can also be sore and tender for several weeks.
What are the risks?
In a small number of patients (around 3%) the scars can become thick and red and may need further treatment. Infection is uncommon but, if it occurs, would need antibiotics and regular dressing changes. Occasionally the repair may not hold fully and a further minor adjustment is required.
Can the scar be seen?
The operation is carried out from behind the ears, so a small scar is left close to the groove between the ear and the side of the head. It usually settles well, though on rare occasions it can become red and lumpy.
Your guide in the patient app
Your recovery guide in the Waterfront patient app is the personal, dated version of this page, with your own instructions, your appointments and the hospital’s contact details.
Download the printed leaflet (PDF)
Your discharge information and your recovery guide in the Waterfront patient app tell you who to contact and when. If you have any concerns about your recovery, contact the hospital using the details you were given.