Otoplasty: Post Operative Care To Be Followed

Otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure used to change the appearance of one's ears. This surgery is often performed on children as young as five years old. Because the patients are so young, it is the parents' responsibility to see that the post operative care instructions are followed correctly. Following the surgeon's post operative directions will lessen the chance of complications and encourage proper healing of the ear and head.

Following the otoplasty, the surgeon will wrap the patient's ears and head with a pressure garment to help the ears maintain their new shape. It is important that the patient leave the bandages on for the specified time which is usually five to seven days. The bandages should not be tampered with or allowed to get wet, not even when bathing. Doing so, could lead to infection or other problems. As a rule of thumb, patients should avoid touching the dressing.

During this first week, pain should be minimal and may be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. There will likely be swelling and bruising but this is normal. To reduce the swelling, patients should keep their head elevated at all times. Bending over should be avoided and patients should sleep with their head propped up on multiple pillows. If possible, the patient should not sleep on their side or stomach.

There will be a follow-up appointment with the surgeon about a week following the otoplasty and at that time, the bandage will be removed and the patient will usually be given a different type of head garment to wear only at night. The surgeon may also prescribe topical antibiotics to prevent or treat infection as well as other ointments to help with the swelling and bruising.

Following this appointment, patients may finally shower (thank goodness!) and return to their normal daily activities. All extremes should be avoided including physical exercise and extremely hot or cold temperatures. Since otoplasty patients are most commonly children, it is difficult to limit activity.

But if the best results are to be achieved, parents must be strict and keep the child calm and well rested for the first few weeks following the surgery. This means no rough housing, no contact sports, or really active playing.

These activities may be resumed after a full recovery which generally takes about six weeks. Six weeks after the otoplasty procedure, the swelling and bruising should have disappeared and the ears should have taken their new shape and a completely normal life can be resumed.