Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery Of The Ears
(Otoplasty)
Surgical Instructions

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• What are risks and complications of cosmetic ear surgery?
• What happens before surgery?
• What happens on the day of surgery?
• What happens during surgery?
• What happens after surgery?
• What are the general instructions and follow-up care?
• Otoplasty At A Glance

Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the external ear is often performed to repair cosmetic or defects resulting from injury. The most common procedure is otoplasty which is done to correct prominent ("dumbo") ears in children. The goal of this type of surgery is to improve both the functional and cosmetic appearance of the ears. Frequently, psychological trauma is associated with such features.

You should discuss freely with your doctor your cosmetic concerns and expectations. In turn, your surgeon will discuss his/her recommendations and any particular limitations set forth by the preoperative structure of your ears, face, and skin. Preoperative and postoperative photographs will usually be taken to help with preoperative planning and to document postoperative results.

The following instructions are designed to help you, or your child, recover from cosmetic/reconstructive surgery of the ears (otoplasty) as easily as possible. Taking care of yourself, or your child, can prevent complications. It is very important that you read these instructions and follow them carefully.

What are risks and complications of cosmetic ear surgery?

Your surgery will be performed safely and with care in order to obtain the best possible results. The following complications have been reported in the medical literature. This list is not meant to be inclusive of every possible complication. It is here for your information only, not to frighten you, but to make you aware and more knowledgeable concerning this surgical procedure.

1. Infection of the skin or of the cartilage (chondritis) of the ear.
2. Bleeding or hematoma formation.
3. A cosmetic or functional result that does not meet your expectations. An unfavorable result may occur at any time following surgery, and includes inadequate correction, recurrence, contour distortions, or asymmetric correction, all of which may require secondary surgery.
4. Permanent or temporary numbness of the skin of the ear or face.
5. Scar or keloid formation, which is an overgrowth of scar tissue.
6. Prolonged pain, impaired healing, and the need for hospitalization.
7. Narrowing of the external ear canal.
8. Suture extrusion. When permanent sutures are used to maintain shape, they may become evident through the skin and may eventually require removal.
9. If the surgery is being done because of a tumor, there can be recurrence of the tumor and the need for additional surgery or other therapeutic modalities including radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

What happens before surgery?

In most situations, the surgery is performed as an outpatient at either the hospital or the surgicenter. In both facilities, quality care is provided without the expense and inconvenience of an overnight stay. An anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the procedure. Usually, the anesthesiologist will call the night before surgery to review the medical history. If he or she is unable to reach you the night before surgery, they will talk with you that morning. If your doctor has ordered preoperative laboratory studies, you should arrange to have these done several days in advance.

You should not take aspirin, or any product containing aspirin, within 10 days of the date of your surgery. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medications (such as Advil, Naprosyn, Nuprin) should not be taken within 4-7 days of the date of surgery depending on the preparation. Many over-the- counter products contain aspirin or antinflammatory drugs. So it is important to check all medications carefully. If there is any question, please call your doctor's office or consult your pharmacist. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an acceptable pain reliever. Usually your doctor will give you your prescriptions at the preoperative visit. It is best to have these filled prior to the date of your surgery.

You must not eat or drink anything 6 hour prior to the time of surgery. This includes even water, candy, or chewing gum. Anything in the stomach increases the chances of an anesthetic complication. Smokers should make every effort to stop smoking, or at least reduce the number of cigarettes. This will help to reduce postoperative coughing and bleeding. If you are sick or have a fever the day before surgery, call the office. If you wake up sick the day of surgery, still proceed to the surgical facility as planned. Your doctor will decide if it is safe to proceed with surgery.

Next: What happens on the day of surgery? »

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