How Long Does Ear Pinning Surgery Take?

Otoplasty, also referred to as ear-pinning surgery, is a relatively quick cosmetic surgery procedure, typically taking between one and two hours to complete. Following a successful procedure, the healing process may take up to 12 weeks, but occurs in stages, and may be affected by outside factors.

In the following guide, the experts at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will outline the ear-pinning surgery and healing process to help you understand exactly what is involved, including the risks, results and what you should do to ensure success.

What is the ear-pinning surgery process?

There are two methods that cosmetic surgeons use to perform otoplasty. However, the safety and effectiveness of the new 'incisionless' technique is still being debated among many cosmetic surgery experts, so we will focus on the classic and more commonly practised method in this guide.

To learn more about incisionless otoplasty, visit this government resource.

Typically, otoplasty is performed by making small incisions behind the ear, then reshaping the position of the ear with stitches. This is where otoplasty gets the name 'ear-pinning'. In some cases, small amounts of cartilage will be removed from the back of the ear to reshape it.

Cosmetic surgeons will usually use a local anaesthetic to reduce any pain felt, and patients are generally sent home the same day of their operation. This makes it one of the more simple cosmetic surgeries. However, that does not mean it is without risk, so patients should make sure they get the right aftercare instructions from their surgeon following the process, and should do everything possible to follow them.

What is the ear-pinning healing process?

Following the otoplasty surgery process, the surgeon may wrap the patient's head in a bandage to keep it clean and limit bleeding. The pain felt is typically light and gentle painkillers, such as paracetamol, can be used to aid it. It is recommended to keep the bandage on until the surgeon removes it around a week after the surgery. Until this time, the patient must not wash their hair or get the bandage wet.

In some cases, the surgeon will not use a bandage. The same rules still apply regarding washing.

Otoplasty patients may be recommended to wear a headband to protect the ears from knocks and hold them in place so they can heal properly. Patients should avoid any strenuous activity until the surgeon permits it - typically between one and two weeks after the surgery.

When showering, otoplasty patients should avoid submerging their heads in water and avoid taking baths as the bathwater can become dirty, increasing the risk of infection. Instead, allow water to gently drain over the head and ensure any soap is washed out of the affected areas.

After a month, activities such as swimming may become possible again, and after three months, intense physical activity may be safe.

What should I do if something goes wrong?

The otoplasty recovery process is simple, but things can still go wrong, especially due to the ears' exposed position on the body. Side effects of otoplasty may include small scars, pain and tenderness, and light bruising, but all of these are normal.

Something may have gone wrong if the ears become inflamed or stiff and there is a lot of pain. The ears may also become asymmetrical, which may be a less desirable state than they were in prior to the surgery.

Other side effects include a blood clot forming or infection of the wounds. If any of these side effects occur, you should speak to a medical expert as soon as possible.

However, if you believe that your cosmetic surgeon may have caused your healing to go wrong, you should seek help from a different medical professional, such as your GP. They will inform you as to what may have caused the issue and will help you find aid.

Once you have sought medical help, you should consider speaking to a solicitor. Those at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors have decades of experience in helping individuals seek compensation for clinical negligence suffered at the hands of cosmetic surgeons who failed to do their job properly.

Any cosmetic surgery can have dangerous repercussions if performed incorrectly, and you could be eligible to claim compensation to help you seek corrective surgery and medical or mental health support.

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.