After the Ear Surgery

The procedure itself will take about 1 to 2 hours.

AFTER EAR SURGERY

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 oose for the first one to two days.
5. After original dressing is removed you will wear a loose fitting head band at night for 6 weeks. You should have gentle compression. If you cannot put your finger in between the head band and your body, it means it is too tight. If the garment is too tight it will prevent proper blood flow.
6. You can take a cool shower the day after surgery. Let water gently flow over your ears. Pat dry. Reapply head band with gauze underneath it if there is drainage. Make sure someone is with you the first night. Although unlikely,you may be nauseated from general anesthesia for up to 2 days.
7. Do not smoke for at least 4 weeks after surgery.
8. Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least one week. You may take Tylenol or pain medications as prescribed.
9. No weight loss diets for at least 3 weeks. Make sure to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet during this time.
10. Avoid direct exposure of incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks.
11. Be sure to finish your entire prescription of antibiotics.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

1. Immediately after surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day (general anesthesia).
2. The area 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 part of the ear. This will contract over 2 months.

WHEN TO CALL US

Post surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor if you notify us. Call us if you experience any of the following: a temperature of 101°F or higher, severe nausea and vomiting, continued dizziness or incoherent behavior, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, legs swelling or calf pain or if you feel that anything might be wrong. Please call the office during regular business hours @ 949-644-4808 or after hours page Joseph T Cruise, MD @ 714-304-8050.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY