Otoplasty recovery — week by week

What healing actually looks like — week by week — for otoplasty.

Recovery timeline

1. Day 0
   1.5–3 hour outpatient procedure. Bulky head bandage.
2. Days 1–7
   Bandage stays for 5–7 days. Sleep elevated; avoid pressure on ears.
3. Weeks 1–2
   Bandage replaced with athletic-style headband worn 24/7.
4. Weeks 2–6
   Headband worn at night only. Most return to school/work in 7–10 days.
5. Months 1–6
   Final position stable. Numbness gradually resolves.

Quick reference

Back to work

5–10 days for desk; longer for physical work.

What's normal vs. what to call about

Some swelling, bruising, asymmetry, numbness, and tightness are expected in the first weeks. Sudden severe pain, fever above 101°F, drainage, spreading redness, or one-sided swelling that worsens after improving warrant a same-day call to your surgeon.

See otoplasty results across the recovery curve on the main Otoplasty page.