OTOPLASTY

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

WOUND CARE

1. Keep the dressings intact until the nurse reviews the ears the day after surgery. You may shower after the bandages have been removed.

2. If there is a dressing on the wound, change it daily after showering. Before applying the new dressing:-

a. clean the wound daily with ¼ strength hydrogen peroxide mixed with ¾ strength normal saline with a cotton bud.

b. Blot dry with gauze.

c. Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment with cotton buds or Betadine (Iodine).

d. Cover with gauze squares.

e. You must wear a bandage for one week.

f. After one week continue to apply dressings to the ears and wear a head band until the end of the second week.

g. After 10-14 days you must wear the head band at night only.

3. FIRST AID

Bleeding: Apply constant firm pressure for 10 minutes.
Infection: Increasing pain, redness, swelling and discharge may indicate infection and a need for antibiotics.

4. Contact our main rooms on (02) 93287044 if you have any difficulties with the treatment site.

a. If you notice rapid swelling 20 - 40 minutes after a sudden movement or when bumped, and/or blood dripping from the incision, this may mean active bleeding underneath the incision (haematoma) and requires prompt attention. Although very rare with skin surgery, this generally occurs only in the first two days after surgery.

b. Infection:
Wound infections after skin surgery are also unusual. Good wound cleansing further includes redness and warm tender swelling of the incision site with occasional pus formation. This may indicate infection and a need for antibiotics.

5. SLEEPING

a. Rest quietly in bed after surgery for 48 hours with your head elevated on 2 pillows. You will have a firm bandage/dressing on your head. Do not lie on your skin.

b. Stay in the company of a responsible adult on the first night after surgery.

6. PAIN

a. Discomfort experienced varies considerably from person to person.

b. Medication will be prescribed if necessary to relieve pain. For pain relief, take Panadeine Forte 1 - 2, every 3 to 4 hours. Do not take more than 8 per day. In case of severe pain, please call the office; this is very unusual.

7. Expect to go home with your bandage still on - it generally remains on for 2 days after surgery. Keep your bandage dry.

8. No Aspirin or Aspirin containing products for two weeks.

9. No Vitamin E for at least 2 weeks.

10. No smoking for at least 2 weeks.

11. When bending, bend at knees only, not with head down.

12. No heavy exercising of any kind for one month.

13. Shampoo hair gently when dressing is removed usually after 48 hours.

14. Do not pull ears forward for any reason (cleaning etc).

15. Wear skier’s headband at night for one month after bandage is removed. This support protects the ears while sleeping or recommended bandages during the day for the first 2-4 weeks try and bandage the ears.

16. Numbness of the ears may be present for some weeks/month after surgery. Be careful not to use a hot hair dryer during this time.

17. For your safety do not drive while taking strong pain killers. The suture behind the ear should normally be dissolving.

18. For routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits please call the office.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal Saline 0.9% - 100 ml
• Cotton buds - 1 packet.
• Gauze - packet of 100 - 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm approx.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036