How Should Patients Sleep After Ear Pinning Surgery?

Ear pinning surgery can be life-changing for adults and children alike – both physically and psychologically. At Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our caring team of Reston, VA board-certified plastic surgeons performs ear pinning surgery on patients of all ages to help boost their confidence and give them a more pleasing, desirable look that can last a lifetime. If you're considering ear pinning surgery for yourself or your child, review the information below to better understand what to expect during and after the procedure, including how your sleeping position may affect your recovery progress and other important aftercare tips.

What happens during ear pinning surgery?

Also known as otoplasty surgery, ear pinning is primarily a cosmetic procedure that aims to sculpt a more natural-looking and attractive ear shape, size, and profile – or projection. Ear pinning surgery is often performed on early elementary-aged school children who have large, protruding, or asymmetric ears in order to prevent teasing or bullying that may occur. Otoplasty is common among adults as well, as many patients have spent years or even decades feeling self-conscious about having ears that stick out.

During ear pinning surgery, one of our acclaimed surgeons will use a customized approach to address each patient's individual concerns and goals. Otoplasty surgery may involve cartilage reduction, cartilage grafting, sutures, and other techniques depending on the patient's anatomy and desired outcome.

How long is recovery after ear pinning?

Almost immediately after ear pinning surgery, patients can expect to feel sore, tired or groggy, and somewhat swollen around the ears and sides of the head. A specialized headband will be provided to protect the ears and help minimize swelling, and encourage proper healing. Many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work and light daily routines after about one week. Children may need to stay home from school for 1 – 2 weeks, particularly if they are involved in sports, recess, and other strenuous or high-contact activities. The majority of otoplasty swelling should have resolved after about six weeks, but full healing can take several months.

Otoplasty recovery instructions

As you recover from ear pinning surgery, be sure to follow these important aftercare instructions:

• Get plenty of rest
• Keep your head elevated
• Wear protective and/or compressive headbands as directed
• Do not smoke
• Take medications as prescribed
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Do not engage in contact sports, strenuous exercise, and other prohibited physical activities

Do I need to sleep differently after ear pinning surgery?

For the first 1 – 2 weeks after ear pinning surgery, patients should sleep on their back and elevate their head slightly with pillows to help minimize swelling and avoid inadvertently damaging the ears. Additional pillows can be placed around the patient's side to prevent accidentally turning or rolling while asleep. After this time, your surgeon may clear you to resume sleeping in your preferred position, though a protective headband should still be worn until about weeks 4 – 6.

By following otoplasty recovery instructions closely, you can give yourself the best possible chance of speedy healing and a beautiful, natural-looking result you can finally feel confident about.

Ear pinning surgery in Reston, VA may be the answer to preventing or repairing a lifetime of low self-esteem

Whether you are an adult who has endured years or even decades of teasing because of your ears – or you are concerned that your child will suffer the same fate because of their overly large ears – our compassionate team can help. For more options on pediatric otoplasty or ear pinning for adults in Northern Virginia, call Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your private consultation with one of our award-winning board-certified plastic surgeons today.