Ear Correction | Otoplasty
Aftercare

Otoplasty – Precare Instructions

1. Avoid sunbathing for two weeks prior to surgery.
2. Quit smoking and nicotine use at least 4 weeks prior to surgery as nicotine can impair and delay healing. This includes any nicotine patch or nicotine-containing product.
3. Stop all aspirin containing products, medications that contain blood thinners, (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc.), Vitamin E and herbal supplements including: St John’s Wort, green tee, Gingko and garlic supplements – 2 weeks prior to surgery. You can take 1 multivitamin a day.
4. Let your botonics doctor know if you develop an illness, cold or any skin infection within a week of surgery.
5. Make sure all requested labs and doctors clearance are delivered to botonics office on time.
6. Schedule time off work – approximately 1 week. Less if your job is sedentary. Make sure a responsible adult is confirmed to drive you to and from surgery.

Otoplasty – Things to Purchase Before Surgery

1. Medications.
2. Headband. Buy a loose fitting headband. This will be worn at nighttimes to protect your ears for the first 6 weeks.
3. Gauze. Make sure to have a box of 4×4 gauze. You can purchase this at a chemist.
4. Multivitamin. Begin taking 2 weeks before and take until 6 weeks after surgery. Do not take vitamin E separately from multivitamin.

Otoplasty – The Day of Surgery

1. You may shower and shampoo your hair the night before or morning of your otoplasty surgery. Clean inside and outside your ears.
2. Do not apply any moisturiser or body lotions.
3. Do not bring any jewellery or valuables with you on the day of surgery.
4. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Wear flat, comfortable shoes. Remove contact lenses and dentures before surgery.
5. Pack your bag for the day of surgery. This should include:

• All paperwork
• Your identification
• All medications
• Reading glasses
• Warm cotton socks

Otoplasty – Aftercare Instructions

1. Continue to limit yourself to light activities the first week after surgery. However, make sure that you don’t stay in bed continuously. Make sure you walk around every once in a while to allow for blood flow.
2. After the first week, limit yourself to activities that are comfortable. No strenuous aerobic activity for 3 weeks after surgery.
3. Make sure not to bend forward for the first few weeks.
4. The night after surgery you will want to have some protective sheets or towels on your pillow. Your incisions will ooze for the first one to two days.
5. After your original dressing is removed you will want to wear a loose fitting headband at night for six weeks. You should have gentle compression. If you cannot put your finger in between the headband and your body, it means it is too tight. If the garment is too tight it will prevent proper blood flow.
6. Do not smoke for at least 4 weeks after surgery.
7. Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least one week. You may take Tylenol or pain medications as prescribed.
8. No weight loss diets for at least 3 weeks. Make sure to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet during this time.
9. Avoid direct exposure of incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks.
10. Be sure to finish your entire prescription of antibiotics.

What to Expect as You Recover

1. Immediately after surgery, some clients feel nauseous or groggy. These feelings are not unusual and normally subside by the next day.
2. You will probably be sore for the first week. Bruising and swelling is normal and will subside in 2-4 weeks.
3. You may experience some numbness. Remember not to put ice or anything hot directly onto skin because you may have decreased awareness of temperature damage.
4. Ear asymmetry is normal for the first 6 weeks.
5. Often there will be redundant skin in front of the ear. This will contract over two months.