Not at all. Otoplasty is strictly a structural reshaping of the outer ear (the pinna). We do not operate anywhere near the middle or inner ear canal where hearing functions take place. Your hearing will be completely unaffected.

The headband is a critical part of your healing process. Following surgery, the reshaped ear cartilage is delicate and needs to be held securely in its new position while it heals. You will be sent home with a soft, supportive surgical dressing. Once that is removed (usually within a few days), you must wear a soft, wide headband (like a sports sweatband) 24 hours a day for the first week, and then every night while sleeping for an additional 4 to 6 weeks to prevent the ears from accidentally folding forward.

You must avoid putting any pressure on the healing ears, you will need to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first 2 to 3 weeks. Sleeping on your side too early can cause pain, increase swelling, or even compromise the internal sutures holding the cartilage in place.

Because we physically reshape the cartilage and secure it with permanent internal sutures, the results of an otoplasty are considered lifelong. While it is normal for the ears to "relax" outward by a millimeter or two as the initial swelling subsides, a true surgical relapse is exceedingly rare, provided you wear your headband diligently during the critical early weeks of recovery.