Otoplasty corrects the appearance of ears to make its shape and protrusion more appropriate in relation to the head.
But aside from the surgery, part of its success relies on what happens during the recovery period. Proper aftercare is essential so that complications can’t get in the way of a timely and normal recovery.
After surgery, it is imperative that the patient takes it easy for a week or two. This is to give the incisions enough time to heal. By that, it means the patient should avoid any strenuous activity such as sports, rigorous exercise and bend for at least 1-2 months. Lifting should be even minimized to a maximum of 10-15 pounds only during this time.
This is going to take a conscious effort for the patients, but it is more challenging for parents whose children will undergo the procedure. They should make sure that as the child heals, they do not accidentally scratch it and that their activity level is controlled.
Otoplasty Aftercare
To keep infection and other complications at bay here are some aftercare tips to help you out.
• You should be very careful when handling the sutures to make sure that you don’t accidentally pull them off while cleansing the area. You may have to clean the area with soap and water every day and make sure that you wash this thoroughly. You should also pat this gently to dry, moisture will only lengthen the healing process and it can also build up an infection.
• A dressing will be placed around your head after ear pinning surgery. It is important that you avoid this from getting soiled and wet. Also if you feel that this is too tight or too loose, inform the surgeon right away. It should be fitted properly for comfort and to reduce swelling and to avoid complications like a hematoma.
• The surgeon will instruct when the right time is to start shampooing your hair.
• When drying the hair, make sure that the dryer is on cool setting.
• It is important that the head remains elevated at least 2-3 weeks after surgery. This is to prevent swelling in the area and over the face. Also, this positioning prevents hematoma formation which can affect the outcome of the surgery since the pressure buildup created by blood can displace the structures.
• Button down shirts is more advisable around this time compared to typical shirts and long sleeves. The latter increases the risk of injuring or the surgical area when changing clothes.
• Once the dressing has been removed the ears may look like they have been overcorrected, but this is just a normal reaction. Over time the ears will assume its final position.
• You can apply warm compress gently over the area for 2-3 times a day for two weeks after the dressing has been removed. This helps relieve bruising and some degree of pain.
• The surgeon will prescribe antibiotic therapy as a prophylactic treatment against infection. It is important that you follow the entire course for it to be fully effective.
• If you notice that pain intensity is increasing rather than relieving, you should immediately report this to your doctor. Even more so if this is accompanied by fever, redness, swelling, and pus discharges. Also if bleeding is not subsiding, you should promptly inform your surgeon.
For more surgical advise, book your consultation with us today.
