Otoplasty: Post Operative Care Following The Surgery
Otoplasty is the technical and medical term for ear pinning
. There is a not a tremendous amount of pain attached to the operation. The procedure involves the ear being pinned after a portion of cartilage has been removed. This is done to give the ears a better appearance in order that they do not stick out too far from the head.
Following the otoplasty a pressure dressing will be placed over the surgical site. This is done to reduce the potential for infection or other complications. This dressing needs to be kept dry and as stationary as possible. This allows the stitches to stay where they are supposed to and helps to facilitate healing.
The dressing must remain in place for five to seven days. Once the pressure dressing is removed at a follow up appointment the individual will be required to wear a covering over the ears during the night. This must be done up to the end of the sixth week following the otoplasty surgery.
When you bring your child home from the hospital he will need to get as much rest as possible. During the first few weeks post operative keep your child as low key as you can. In other words, a low level of activity is strongly recommended.
During sleep the patient's head should be elevated and supported by at least two to three pillows. The patient should refrain from sleeping on his side during the first crucial weeks of the post operative otoplasty period. Any activity such as bending that lowers the head below the heart should be avoided.
The first week or two of the post-op there is likely to be a certain amount of bruising and swelling. There may also be some drainage. Do not be alarmed-this is part of the normal recuperation process. The surgeon may write you a prescription for a topical ointment that can be helpful in bringing down both the bruising as well as the swelling.
There is generally a small degree of pain and discomfort afterwards. This usually varies from patient to patient. What is often noted by many patients who have the ear pinning procedure is that their ears and the area surrounding them are sensitive to both medium and light pressure for a few weeks afterwards.
Some people may notice that the sensitivity lasts longer than others. However, this is not the problem as such. Everyone heals and recovers at their body's own rate. You need to be patient with yourself as your ears adjust to their new position.