Immediate Post-Operative Care:

Monitoring and Discharge:

• After your otoplasty procedure, you will be monitored in our recovery area until you are stable. Once cleared by our medical team, you will be discharged with detailed aftercare instructions.

Bandages and Dressings:

• Your ears will be bandaged to protect the surgical site and promote healing. It’s essential to keep these dressings dry and intact as instructed by your surgeon.

Medications:

• You will receive prescriptions for pain relief and antibiotics to manage discomfort and prevent infection. Take these medications as directed by your surgeon.

Home Care Instructions:

Head Elevation:

• Keep your head elevated at all times, even while sleeping, to reduce swelling and promote circulation. Use extra pillows to prop yourself up comfortably.

Avoiding Pressure on Ears:

• Avoid sleeping on your sides or directly on your ears to prevent putting pressure on the surgical area. Use a travel pillow or neck pillow to support your head and avoid accidental pressure.

Managing Discomfort:

• Use cold compresses or ice packs wrapped in a cloth to gently apply to the ears (not directly on the skin) to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day, during the first few days post-surgery.

Wound Care:

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions for cleaning the incision sites and changing dressings. Use any prescribed ointments or solutions as directed to keep the area clean and aid in healing.

Activity Restrictions:

Rest and Relaxation:

• Plan to rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least the first week after surgery. Limit physical exertion to prevent strain on the surgical area and promote healing.

Avoiding Contact Sports:

• Refrain from participating in contact sports or activities that could risk injury to your ears for several weeks following surgery. Protect your ears from accidental trauma during this time.

Avoiding Water Exposure:

• Avoid swimming or submerging your ears in water (e.g., baths, hot tubs, pools) until your surgeon advises it is safe to do so. Moisture can interfere with wound healing and increase infection risk.

Follow-Up Visits:

Scheduled Appointments:

• Attend all follow-up appointments scheduled with your surgeon at Beverly Hills Specialty Hospital. These visits are essential for monitoring your healing progress, removing any non-absorbable sutures, and addressing any concerns you may have.

Monitoring Results:

• Your surgeon will assess your recovery and discuss when you can gradually resume normal activities based on your individual healing process and recovery milestones.

Long-Term Care:

Protecting Your Ears:

• Once your ears have healed, consider wearing protective headgear or avoiding situations where your ears could be injured. Protecting your ears from trauma helps maintain the results of your otoplasty over the long term.

Healthy Lifestyle:

Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support overall healing and well-being. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these can negatively impact healing.

Skincare:

• Use gentle skincare products around your ears to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Avoid applying products directly on the incision sites until they are fully healed and cleared by your surgeon.

Recovery Timeline:

• Initial Days: Expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which will gradually improve over the first week.

• First Week: Most patients can return to light activities within a week, though full recovery may take several weeks as swelling continues to subside and final results become apparent.

• Final Results: Patience is key as the final results of otoplasty become fully visible once all swelling has resolved. Your surgeon will guide you on managing expectations throughout the healing journey.