Otoplasty (cont.)
What are the general instructions and follow-up care?
In most situations, a bandage will have been placed to cover
the wound.
If you are undergoing an otoplasty, a compressive dressing will
be placed.
You should not remove the dressing because these are holding
the external
ears in the appropriate position. Your doctor will probably
check the ear
the next day in the office. If you experience severe pain on
only one
side, please call the office to report this to the doctor. It
may be the
first indication of a hematoma. Unless instructed otherwise,
the bandages
should remain in place for one week. At this time, you are
asked to return
to the office to have the sutures removed. We usually recommend
that you
wear an elastic band (ear band-it) at night for the next 6
weeks. It is
best to wear the band even during the day when it is
"socially
acceptable". We discourage facial tanning for 6 months
after surgery.
If you must be in the sun you should use a number 15 or greater
sun block.
You may use your usual make-up anytime after surgery. Do not
wear earrings
or glasses (if possible) for 3 weeks.
After the bandages have been removed, clean the wound with a Q-
tip
soaked in hydrogen peroxide to remove all crusts. By gently
removing all
crusts, the wound edges will heal better with a less obvious
scar. Apply
polysporin ointment, or a similar antibiotic ointment of your
choice, to
the cleaned wound. If you develop a rash, discontinue the
ointment and
notify your surgeon. You may wash you face and hair after the
bandages
have been removed. Avoid excessive scrubbing of the wound.
Use a gentle soap and shampoo. We ask that you stay out of the
pool for
several weeks, and after that to wear the ear band-it for the
next 6
weeks. Numbness, slight swelling, itching, and discoloration
are normal
complaints, and should go away with time. You should plan to
stay in town
for 3 weeks to allow for after-surgery (postoperative) care.
NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE:
- A fever greater than 101.5 degrees F which persists despite
increasing the amount of fluid you drink and acetaminophen
(Tylenol). A
person with a fever should try to drink approximately one cup
of fluid
each waking hour.
- Persistent sharp pain or severe one- sided pain which is
not relieved
by the pain medication you were prescribed.
- Increased swelling or redness of the ears.
- Drainage from the wound.
- Otoplasty is performed to improve the appearance and
function of the
ear.
- Otoplasty is safe and effective.
- Otoplasty can improve one's self image.
Last Editorial Review: 4/26/2002
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
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