Planning for recovery: how am I supposed to sleep after an otoplasty?

Each specific surgeon has their own postoperative protocol for every procedure. But generally, following an otoplasty, you will want to sleep in a position that does not disturb, manipulate, or apply pressure to either ear. Lying on your back with the head slightly elevated is what most patients find to work after a bilateral otoplasty, meaning both ears were operated on. This is especially important during the first 2-3 weeks of healing. Thereafter, most patients find it more comfortable to sleep this way, as the ears can remain sore for a several weeks after surgery.