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Ears that protrude prominently draw attention to themselves
and may be a
cause of distress. Otoplasty is an operation that repositions
the ears to a less prominent position.
Otoplasty is often performed in patients when
they are children, before they begin school,
because their young classmates can be quite merciless in their teasing or
taunting. Adults with prominent ears occasionally choose to have their ears
repositioned as well.
Commonly referred to as "pinning back the ears," otoplasty involves
an incision on the back side of the ear with removal of excessive skin. The
cartilage of the ear is repositioned by weakening it , removing some of it,
and/or suturing it, depending upon what's best for that patient's ears.
This procedure is performed most commonly under
sedation or "twilight" anesthesia in adults. After the operation, a dressing and
bandage are typically applied, to remain in place for a few days. The patient
may wash his or her hair once the bandage is removed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have a question that is
not answered
here, you can contact Dr. Becker at beckermailbox@aol.com
PATIENT
INSTRUCTIONS AFTER OTOPLASTY
The following instructions apply to patients who have
undergone otoplasty. Since no two
patients are ever exactly alike in their surgical needs, type of surgery performed or rate of
healing, we may elect to individualize the following guidelines for each patient. In such
instances we will so instruct you. Otherwise, we urge you to follow the advice below very
carefully, in order to accelerate your healing and maximize your surgical outcome.
- Use common sense in the first 14 days after surgery in restricting your normal activities,
exercise regimens and any activity requiring lifting/straining.
- You may be up and around the day after surgery, but some natural fatigue may persist
for 2-3 days due to the normal effects of the anesthesia and surgical procedure.
- You may eat a normal diet the day after surgery. In moderation, talking and smiling are
perfectly okay.
- We will place a bandage around your ears (a little bit like a headband) after surgery.
We will see you the day after surgery at which time we will remove the bandage and
replace it with a smaller removable one. You will need to wear this bandage for another
full day, and then only at night for 3 days thereafter.
- Your head should be elevated on at least two pillows during sleep for the first 14 days,
in order to keep your head higher than your heart to help facilitate the resolution of
swelling. Do not sleep face down, rather on your back or side.
- DO NOT TAKE ANY ASPIRIN OR ANY ASPIRIN CONTAINING MEDICINES
for 14 days, and then only on the advice of your personal physician. Other routine
medications may be taken as needed.
- Any unexplained development of pain, facial swelling or fever should be reported to us
immediately.
- Some swelling and bruising around the ears is normally present after otoplasty, but the
degree of each varies widely from patient to patient. Do not be concerned if you have
more or less than others who have undergone the "same" operation. Generally, most
patients appear quite sociably acceptable within 1-2 days after surgery because the incision
is hidden behind the ear. In fact, the ears may be completely hidden if your hair is long.
- You may gently cleanse the incision lines twice daily with 50% hydrogen peroxide and
cotton (or Q-tips). Apply the ointment provided sparingly twice daily to the incision lines
to avoid excessive crusting of the incisions and to accelerate reduction of incision redness.
Do not apply any other ointment or medication unless we prescribe it.
- You may gently shampoo your hair 24 hours after surgery, avoiding any strong
rubbing or combing trauma around the ears. Do not blow dry the hair around your ears for
3-5 days, and postpone any planned permanent or hair coloring for 4 weeks following
surgery.
- It is acceptable to do some light walking 48 hours after surgery. Jogging and light
non-contact exercises should not be resumed until 3 weeks, and strenuous sports require 6
weeks of healing before being safely resumed.
- Finally, it is very important to your well-being that you follow completely all
instructions given to you by this office, and that we check your progress regularly
following surgery.
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