Otoplasty/Ear Reconstruction Instructions Following Surgery
What To Expect Immediately After Surgery
- You will wake up with a firm dressing on your head (i.e. bandages). This is usually removed in 3 – 5 days.
- Rest quietly in bed after surgery for 48 hours, on your back, with head straight and elevated at 45 degrees, on two pillows.
- Expect to feel tired for 7 – 10 days after surgery, especially after anaesthetics.
- Get adequate rest, in order not to increase blood pressure and prevent bleeding, decrease swelling and bruising.
Sleeping
- Rest quietly in bed, on your back, with head straight and raised on two pillows.
- Stay in the company of a responsible adult for the first 24 hours.
- Do not sleep on your sides for 6 weeks, otherwise swelling and bruising may persist longer. Two pillows on each side of your waist will reduce the possibility of turning on your side.
- Wear skier’s headband at night for one month after bandage is removed. This support protects the ears while sleeping.
Pain And Medications
- Stay in the company of a responsible adult for the first 24 hours.
- Discomfort experienced varies considerably from person to person.
- For pain, take Panadeine Forte, one to two tablets every four to six hours (not more than eight per day). This will be prescribed by the Anaesthetist after surgery.
- In case of severe pain, please call the Clinic, as this is very unusual.
- No driving or operating machinery after an anaesthetic or while on medications for pain.
- Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications or immediately after surgery.
- Do not take Aspirin, Vitamin E, Anti-inflammatory medication or any medication containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least two weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.
- Commence hormone replacement therapy after discussing this with the doctor.
- No smoking for at least two weeks after surgery.
- No alcohol for two weeks, if possible, as it increases swelling; or have only in moderation.
Wound Care – after first post-op appointment with Dr Stradwick
- Do not get surgical area wet until instructed. You may bath until you are given instructions to shower.
- Keep the dressings intact 3-5 days as instructed.
- You must wear a head band for six weeks in total.
- After 2 weeks, wear the head band at night only.
First Aid
Bleeding
- Apply constant firm pressure for 10 minutes.
Infection
- Increasing pain, redness, swelling and discharge may indicate infection and a need for antibiotics. Wound infections after skin surgery are unusual. Good wound cleansing will help avoid infection.
Swelling/bleeding
- If you notice rapid swelling 20 – 40 minutes after a sudden movement or when bumped, and/or blood dripping from the incision, this may mean active bleeding underneath the incision (haematoma) and requires prompt attention. Although very rare with skin surgery, this generally occurs only in the first two days after surgery.
- In any of these cases, please contact the Clinic immediately.
Diet
- A light diet is best, not too rich, on the night after surgery, to avoid vomiting after anaesthetics.
Activity
- During the first 48 hours, bed rest is recommended.
- During the first five days after surgery, it is most important not to engage in any activity which will elevate the blood pressure and swelling, and possibly produce bruising under the skin and may cause bleeding.
- When bending, bend at knees only, not with head down.
- You may shampoo your hair gently when dressing has been removed.
- Do not pull your ears forward for any reason (cleaning, etc.).
- Do not use a hot hair dryer during the first month.
- Following the first office visit, you will be given further instructions regarding your activity level.
- No heavy exercise or aerobics of any kind for six weeks.
- Exercise will increase swelling and bruising.
- No flying for two weeks unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Avoid sun exposure for two months as it causes swelling and redness.
You Can Expect
- Moderate discomfort and pain.
- Possible numbness of the ears for some weeks or months after surgery.
Call If You Have
- Severe pain not responding to medications.
- Signs of infection
- An increase in bleeding.
- Any other question or problem arising.
Purchase Prior To Surgery For Dressings
- Head band or scarf
Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.
For an emergency, please call Dr Luke Stradwick on 0423 506 792 or Allamanda Hospital Emergency Department on 07-5591 9400