How to Make the Most Out of Your Otoplasty Recovery?
Having just had your Otoplasty to correct your ear deformities, now you are on the road to recovery! In few weeks, you will be able to show off your new aesthetically pleasing ears with pride. However, to ensure a successful Otoplasty Recovery, it is crucial that you take care of yourself and follow all the post-surgery instructions carefully, which will help you to heal quickly.
One great thing about Otoplasty is that, it has a relatively short recovery time compared to other cosmetic surgical procedures. However, it is imperative to follow the post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper aftercare and to take steps, in order to prevent infection and other potential side effects.
In this blog post, we will discuss what to expect during your recovery period and the post-operative guidelines for a risk-free recovery. By following these aftercare instructions, you can be rest assured that you will get the best possible results from your Otoplasty.
What to expect following your Otoplasty Surgery?
If you have recently had Otoplasty Surgery, you may be wondering what to expect in the days and weeks following your procedure. Here is a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Once your ear surgery is completed, you will have a tight bandage over your ears that should be worn for at least 7 days. Besides supporting the ears, this bandage reduces the risk of bleeding and keeps your ears in a new cosmetic position.
- In the first few days after surgery, you are likely to have some swelling and bruising around your ears. However, this is perfectly normal and should subside within a few days.
- Numbness during the first few hours after surgery is normal. This will gradually improve, as the anaesthesia wears off.
- You may experience some discomfort during this time but it is important to keep the dressing in place to ensure proper healing.
However, if you notice any bleeding from the bandage, please contact your surgeon immediately.
Follow-up care for your incisions:
Caring for your incisions properly, will help you heal quickly and reduce your risk of infection. Your nurse will see you post 7 days of your surgery, to remove the bandage and check the wound. Once the bandage is removed, you will be able to take a shower and wash your hair. Please make sure to use a mild shampoo accordingly, so that your incisions are taken care of.
It is important to keep your incisions clean and dry. You may take a shower but do not soak yourself in a bathtub or pool until you discuss it with your surgeon. Also, you should not take a hot bath during your recovery period. A lighter bandage or an elastic sports band will be given to you, to wear during night time for 3 weeks. This is to keep your ears in the correct position whilst you are sleeping and to ensure that your ears do not fold forward, which can spoil the cosmetic result.
How to relieve your post-operative pain?
If you are in a recovery stage from surgery, post-operative pain can be a major hurdle. The amount of pain you experience, depends on the type of surgery you had and how sensitive you are to pain. In most cases, patients experience very little discomfort from this procedure and the pain is typically manageable with oral medication. However, your surgeon will prescribe medicines to help relieve your pain.
Pain medication that contains codeine can cause constipation and bloating issues. Therefore, it is advisable to discontinue taking codeine, when your pain subsides. Take senna or similar over-the-counter remedies, if you become constipated. Make sure you complete your antibiotic course as prescribed, to help reduce your infection risk further.
In case, if you still experience severe pain, contact your surgeon immediately so that they can provide you with additional medication or suggest other alternatives to alleviate your discomfort.
Tips to Help You Recover from Otoplasty:
Here are a few simple tips, to help you recover quickly and safely from your Otoplasty procedure:
Do not rub or touch your ears: If you have had Otoplasty surgery, it is important to avoid rubbing or touching your ears for a couple of weeks. Rubbing can cause irritation and disrupt the healing process, leading to complications. However, if you need to touch your ears, please ensure to do so gently and only when necessary.
Avoid Bending: You should avoid bending down as this can cause bleeding due to the pressure. Bend your knees if you need to do so. Also, it is important to keep your head in the elevated position, for a few weeks to minimize swelling.
Avoid direct sun exposure: One of the most important things to do after Otoplasty is to avoid direct sun exposure. This means no sunbathing or using sun beds for at least 12 weeks, following your surgery. Direct exposure to the sun causes scarring and other complications. So, it is important to keep your incisions covered. If you need to go out in the sunlight, make sure to cover your scars and apply total sunblock.
Wear easy-to-remove clothes: Since pulling a shirt over your head, could hurt your incisions, it is advisable to wear button-down shirts or anything that comes with a zipper to prevent damage to your incisions.
Avoid smoking: If you smoke or someone who smokes in your presence, it can negatively impact your recovery. As a result of this, there can be poor healing, scarring and delayed recovery. So, you should refrain from smoking for at least 3 months after your surgery.
Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet will not only help you recover from Otoplasty but it will also help you look and feel your best. Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, will help you stay active and avoid constipation.
Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is also important; so please ensure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can prevent dehydration by taking fluids at regular intervals.
Rest and Recovery: Like with any surgical procedure, give your body the time it needs to recover fully. This means getting plenty of rest and sleep in the first week or two following your surgery.
Avoid strenuous activities including sports and exercises for at least 6-8 weeks following surgery. In order to avoid blood clot problems, we advise only gentle exercise, such as walking.
With these easy-to-follow tips, you can be rest assured that you are doing everything possible for a successful outcome!
When to call for help?
In case of a medical emergency, the following symptoms should be observed. In case of any of these symptoms, you should dial 999 immediately:
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden chest pain
- Sudden bleeding
- Spike in body temperature
- Signs of DVT such as calf pain and swelling
Otoplasty is a very successful procedure that can greatly improve the appearance of your ears. With proper care and recovery, you can enjoy long-lasting results from your surgery. If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery, please schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Deemesh Oudit. Give us a call on 0161 989 1234 for further information.
Posted on : July 26, 2022