Is It Possible for Your Ears to Shift After Otoplasty?

Surgical and incisionless otoplasty is a procedure that is changing the lives of both adults and children. When overly large or protruding ears have been affecting your self-esteem for quite some time, it’s only normal to worry about whether your ears will shift again after your procedure.

Otoplasty is designed to pin the ears back, which prevents them from sticking out too far. Not only can patients expect a positive change in their appearance but their confidence levels will most certainly rise too.

Most patients are able to achieve their desired outcome but this doesn’t mean they don’t have concerns about their ears shifting again after surgery at a top clinic such as Dr Zurek in Sydney.  

It’s not uncommon for the ears to be in an ideal position at one point and then move slightly forward or back – this is not something you need to be concerned about.

Ear Movement after Otoplasty

In most instances, the ears do move slightly after an otoplasty procedure. Once your ears have been pinned back, a dressing will be wrapped around the ears. Once your surgeon has removed the dressing, you will need to wear a light headband for up to two weeks, particularly at night.

The headband is necessary for stabilizing the ears and aiding the healing process. It’s when patients stop wearing the headband that it becomes more likely that the ears will move. It’s going to be necessary to stop wearing the headband at some point or another, which means some movement is inevitable. 

Most adult patients report noticing movement in the mornings when they wake up because they’ve slept on their side. Since children tend to play with their ears a lot, it can also affect the position of the ears and damage the sutures. 

It’s because of this that many patients want to know if they can move their ears back even further or if tightening the headband will prevent this from happening. Unfortunately, wearing a headband that’s too tight can actually damage your ears, which are particularly delicate after an otoplasty procedure. 

For most patients, the way that your ears look after you stop wearing your headband is how they will look once they’ve healed completely. To ensure you achieve your desired results, make sure that you follow your surgeon’s specific aftercare instructions.

Getting Rid of Protruding Ears – The Way Forward

If you’re tired of feeling embarrassed about your ears in professional and social situations or you want to help your child avoid all of the name-calling and humiliation that comes with bat ears, the first step is to set up a consultation with an otoplasty specialist.

Depending on the surgeon you choose, the procedure can either be performed the traditional way, which requires incisions, or an incisionless route can be chosen – it all depends on your preferences. 

Regardless of the option that you decide on, make sure that you’re choosing a professional with the necessary qualifications and experience. Have a look at any reviews as well as before and after photos to ensure your surgeon is the right fit.