After Ear Plastic Surgery

Continue to limit yourself to light activities for the first week after surgery. However, make sure that you don't stay in bed continuously. You should walk around every once in a while to allow for good blood flow.
After the first week, limit yourself to activities that are comfortable. No strenuous aerobic activity for 3 weeks after surgery.
Do not bend forward for the first few weeks.
The night after surgery you will want to have some protective sheets or towels on your pillow. Your incisions will ooze for the first one or two days.
After the original dressing is removed, you will use a loose-fitting headband at night for 6 weeks. You should have gentle compression. If you cannot put your finger in between the headband and your body, it means it is too tight and it will prevent proper blood flow.
You can take a cool shower the day after. Let water gently flow over your ears. Pat dry. Reapply headband, with gauze underneath it if there is drainage. Make sure someone is with you. You may be nauseated from general anesthesia for up to 2 days.
Do not smoke for at least 4 weeks after surgery.
Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least one week. You may take Tylenol or pain medications as prescribed.
No weight loss diets for at least 3 weeks. Make sure to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet during this time.
Avoid direct exposure of the incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks.
Be sure to finish your entire prescription of antibiotics.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

Immediately after surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day (general anesthesia).
You will probably be sore for the first week. Bruising and swelling is normal and will subside in 2 to 4 weeks.
You may experience some numbness. Remember, do not put ice or anything hot directly onto skin because you may have decreased awareness of temperature damage.
Ear asymmetry is normal for the first 6 weeks.
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. 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, leg swelling or calf pain, or a feeling that something may be wrong. Please call the office during regular business hours @ 949-644-4808 or after hours page Dr. Cruise @ 714-304-8050.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY

Concern	Instructions

Blood Clot	It is important to walk at least every 2 hours while you're awake to prevent blood clotting. Do not overdo it. Right after surgery you will be instructed to walk around once every hour. Pay specific attention to leg swelling. If you notice swelling (even on only one leg), or calf pain, contact the office.
Constipation	If you are constipated at day 2, stop taking Vicodin or Darvocet. Encourage walking, drink a lot of fluids, consider laxative (Ex-lax or Correctol).
Fever	Make sure to cough and breathe deeply as fever is usually in the lungs for the first 3 days after surgery.
Garment Placement	After the original dressing is removed, you will wear a loose-fitting headband at night for 6 weeks. You should have gentle compression. If you cannot put your finger in between the garment and your body, it means it is too tight. A garment that is too tight will prevent proper blood flow.
Activity	You can take a cool shower the day after. Allow clean water to run over your head and ears. Use generous amounts of shampoo and conditioner as there may be some blood in your hair. Don't wash the ears directly. Pat dry. Make sure you have someone helping you. Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours thereafter. Sleep at a 45-degree angle for the first 3 nights. If exercise hurts, don't do it. Wait for your body to tell you what you can do. You can start regular exercise at 4 weeks.
Wound Care	Your gauze will be changed at your follow up visit. Make sure your headband is placed correctly while sleeping. Keep surgical area clean and dry at all times.