YOUR RECOVERY
You’ll be wearing a bandage wrapped around your head. This should be kept in place until it is removed by Dr. Gartner (usually in about a week or so). Once it’s removed, you’ll probably notice that your ears will be bruised, swollen and perhaps numb. These are side effects of your surgery and will gradually subside as you recover. You will be advised to wear a head/sweat band for one month as much as you can during the day, and throughout the night so you avoid inadvertently pulling on your stiches. You should keep your head elevated while you sleep by propping it up on two or three pillows. This will help reduce swelling. We don’t recommend you use ice or heat packs.
Keeping clean
You can start taking a bath the day after surgery, however, you’ll need to refrain from wetting your hair or the incisions for about four days. During this time, Dr. Gartner will let you know how to keep your incisions clean. This may involve using a cotton swab to dab the incisions then applying an antibacterial ointment.
When you can get back to work
You’ll probably be able to get back to desk work within five days. Make sure to keep your head elevated and not bend over or lift anything.
When you can get back to the gym
You can start exercising at about three weeks, however you should start with low intensity aerobics. Weightlifting and other more vigorous exercises should wait until about four to five weeks.
Your results
*Cosmetic ear surgery will make your ears less prominent, so they’re no longer the first thing people notice about you.*