You should rest and relax at home. Do not do any stressful or straining activities, i.e no heavy lifting, no bending over, etc. If you have questions, please ask. At the time of your first office visit after surgery, the large bulky dressing will be removed, and you will be advised regarding wound care. You may be asked to wear a smaller dressing or an Ace bandage, depending upon the extent of wound healing.
Many patients can wear ski bands or other types of compressive bands as a dressing.
Sutures may be removed, or you may have dissolvable sutures. Usually you can resume showers and shampooing after this first visit. This prevents pulling on the ear while asleep. This can be made from any soft material, for example a ski cap or Ace bandage, etc. Many patients are able to return to usual activity within one to two weeks following surgery, however this varies from person to person.