How To Survive Otoplasty: Post-op Recovery

Let's face it; otoplasty can be an awkward surgery to recover from

. Whether you have had cosmetic or functional otoplasty, you'll have to deal with cumbersome bandages, bad hair days, and a bit of misery before you can enjoy your new set of ears. Often times it is children who undergo the procedure at a fairly young age. The parents will need to be prepared for a few tears and tantrums (especially if it's summer time since the pool will be off limits). Recovery varies by individual and the specific procedure, but here are the basics of post operative care that need to be followed.

Immediately following surgery, the patient will be still under the effects of anesthesia. They may feel disoriented, tired, and light-headed. Some people have more severe reactions to anesthesia which include extreme nausea, which must be kept under control with medication to avoid side effects such as vomiting. Since the patient will feel quite "out of it," the caretaker should take precaution to make them as comfortable as possible for the ride home. Have a soft pillow or blanket ready for them, as they just might fall dead asleep even on a short trip.

Once you've brought the patient home, help them to get comfortable and lie down to allow them plenty or sleep. Ensure they have some extra thick pillows under their head in order to keep it elevated and encourage proper blood circulation. If you haven't at this point, fill in any prescriptions the surgeon has given you. If you are dealing with small children, it is advised to provide some quiet, entertaining activities in case they become restless and try to move too much. Movies, calming music, or some comic books can usually keep them content and sedentary.

The first two weeks following otoplasty are the most uncomfortable due to inevitable side effects which will include swelling, tenderness, bruising, and sometimes fluid drainage. The head may feel a bit stuffed up as well. If other symptoms develop, such as bleeding or fever, a doctor should be contacted immediately as these could be signs of a serious complication like infection. There is normally not too much pain that can't be controlled by prescribed medication or even over the counter pain killers; however, children may find the pressure to be a bit uncomfortable.

After otoplasty, the ears are dressed in bandages for up to a week. It is important to keep the area dry and refrain from touching the bandages. Allow the surgeon to remove the dressing once you return for your first post op visit. If everything is still going smoothly during the follow up, the surgeon will provide a removable bandage for the ear to wear while sleeping for further protection. This may have to be worn for many weeks until the surgeon gives you further instructions.

Most people return to normal activities within two weeks of many otoplasty procedures, but will require another four to six before strenuous activities like exercise may be resumed, at which point precautions to protect the ears should still be taken.

by: Abigail Aaronson

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