Question:
I am in the marines and wear my hair short. I have been called all kinds of names because my ears stick out. If I opt for otoplasty, will I wear bandages coming home from the hospital? How long before my ears look good?
Answer:
I spent 10 years in the U.S. Army performing otoplasties on individuals such as yourself. Most of the new enlistees wear their hair short for the first time when they enlist in the military or become commissioned officers. Prominent ears are a common finding. You will have to wear bandages to your ears for the first week following otoplasty surgery to protect your ears. After one week, the bandages will be removed and you will need to wear a head band around your ears when you sleep to prevent any potential for inadvertent injury to your ears. Your ears will look quite normal after two weeks.
Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld