Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until all the effects of general anaesthesia wear off.

Soft dressings applied to the ears will remain for four days to promote the best moulding and healing. Most patients can appreciate the results of surgery as soon as the bandages are removed.

Patients usually experience some mild discomfort but this can be relieved by medication. We will ensure that you have adequate pain medication. If you are accustomed to sleeping on your side, your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or so because you cannot put any pressure on the ear areas.

You will be seen in our clinic 4 days after surgery when the bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. The ears will still be slightly swollen but this will soon subside. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. The headband is worn at night to protect the ears. Headbands are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in the desired position from 2 to 6 weeks after the surgery.

Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for 6 weeks. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they're careful about playground activity, and may resume sporting activities after 2 weeks.