Head bandage after otoplasty: How long should it be worn?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure often performed to correct prominent ears, with the goal of normalizing their shape and position. Various surgical techniques can be utilized to create the antihelical fold if it is missing and/or to reduce the conchal bowl if it is prominent. Although postoperative dressings are clearly important for successful outcomes following otoplastsy,3–5 consensus is lacking with respect to the optimal bandaging period. Opinions on this subject vary greatly. Some experts advocate retaining the bandage for 7–10 days, whereas others believe it should be removed within 2 days.1–5 The authors retrospectively analyzed the results of otoplasty procedures performed by the senior author (R.R.) in the last 10 years.
Data attained from medical records for the period January 2008 to January 2018 were gathered and evaluated retrospectively. The study population comprised 62 consecutively treated patients who received otoplasty.
In 2013, in order to reduce patient’s concern regarding the “social discomfort” of head banding the postoperative care was changed. From 2008 to 2012, the surgeon’s practice was to keep the bandage in place for 7 days (group A). From 2013 onward, the bandage remained for only 48 h (group B).