OTOPLASTY
WHAT IS IT?
Otoplasty is the surgery for correcting protruding ears.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Scar
It is located behind the ear and is usually not visible.
Anesthesia
Local with sedation.
Surgical Time
One hour.
PRE-OPERATIVE
1) Complementary exams to be specified.
2) Photograph of the area, important for evaluation, surgical planning, and documentation.
3) Arrive at the clinic on the agreed day and time, preferably accompanied, especially if the surgery is outpatient.
4) Do not bring jewelry or other valuables to the clinic.
5) Do not paint your nails.
6) Any intercurrence such as illnesses (flu, fever, infection) or other reasons that may lead to the suspension of the surgery, please inform in advance.
7) Arnica can be used to avoid bruising. This should be started one week to ten days before the surgery. Consult with your doctor for guidance on important pre-operative medications for healing and body balance, aiming for better recovery.
Care:
1) Fasting for at least 6 hours before the surgery begins.
2) Medication for hypertension and other diseases should be informed to the surgery for further guidance.
3) Do not take medication containing acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., AAS, Rhonal, Buferin, Aspirin) one week before and one week after the surgery as it increases bleeding.
4) Weight loss medication should be suspended 15 days before the surgery.
POST-OPERATIVE
Pain
It is minimal, requiring only a painkiller in the first two days.
Hospital Stay
The procedure is outpatient, not requiring hospitalization.
Dressing
The dressing applied immediately after the surgery should remain for 24 hours. After that, for a period of 30 days, it is important to use a compressive bandage over the ears, especially while sleeping.
Bathing
The day after, when you remove the dressing.
Diet
Normal.
Bruises
There are usually none.
Edemas (swelling)
They may exist in the first week but regress quickly.
Stitches
The stitches are internal, and there is no need to remove them.
Physical Efforts
No problems, avoid sports that may traumatize the ears.
Sun
Avoid sun exposure on the ears for one month.
Sensitivity
The area may be numb or hypersensitive for 2 months.
"WILL THIS DISAPPEAR?"
Every surgery involves its own recovery period. Give it time, and your body will take care of dissipating small disturbances that will inevitably attract someone's attention: "Will this disappear?" Do not hesitate to communicate any concerns. We will provide the necessary clarifications for your peace of mind.
RESULT
Initially, during the first four months post-surgery, the area appears slightly swollen, but over time, there will be a gradual settling of organic tissues. From the fourth month, a new photographic session will take place for comparison of pre and post-operative (before and after). This re-evaluation may indicate the need for some touch-up, a procedure considered common in plastic surgery, which should be performed after the 6th month and within a maximum of 10 months after the surgery.