Otoplasty – Postoperative Recommendations and Possible Complications
Otoplasty, or ear correction, is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures today. Furthermore, operations are very often performed on children. This procedure is not considered highly invasive, and recovery does not require patients to perform overly complicated activities. However, it is worth remembering that, like any surgical procedure, ear correction also necessitates adherence to certain recommendations. So, what should you know to best prepare for ear correction surgery?
Post-surgery recovery
Ear surgery, a procedure to restore the proper appearance of the auricle, is a surgery that lasts about one to two hours and can be performed under local anesthesia. You can read more about the procedure itself at www.earcorrection.pl - Kulak Klinika Ear Plastic Surgery Clinic website. The recovery period after this type of surgery is usually up to four weeks. The time after surgery is not particularly taxing for the patient, but it is worth remembering that following the doctor's instructions guarantees a faster recovery. Proper postoperative care is an integral part of the treatment, designed to reduce the risk of complications. After the procedure, the patient is discharged home the same day, but excessive physical exertion should be avoided for the next few days. You should also refrain from activities that could disturb the dressing. Its first change takes place at a follow-up visit, usually 2-3 days after the operation. Therefore, it is recommended that the first head wash should not be performed until three or four days after ear plasty. Also very important for proper healing of the post-surgical wound is the correct way of sleeping. Several pillows should be placed under the head so that the ear is not exposed to pressure. Post-operative stitches are usually removed as early as two weeks after surgery, but proper care of the post-operative area usually takes longer. During the follow-up visit, the doctor may recommend the use of special tourniquets for sleeping. On the other hand, for two months after the operation, contact sports that could disturb the area near the ear should be abandoned. However, except in special cases, the recovery period requires the patient to make some sacrifices only for the first few days after otoplasty.
Possible complications after ear surgery
Like any surgical procedure, ear surgery also carries some risk of complications or complications, but these are usually minor. The most common adverse symptom is bleeding from the surgical wound. It can occur both immediately after the procedure and for several hours afterwards; it can affect all people (not just those with blood clotting disorders). In such a situation, the doctor should be notified immediately. Other complications are usually the result of improper care of the postoperative area. Failure to follow instructions can result in the introduction of infection and the development of infection. Therefore, proper hygiene of the surgical wound and regular change of dressings are particularly important. If an infection develops, antibiotic treatment is usually required. In special cases, reoperation may be necessary. Some patients may also experience complications associated with abnormal wound scarring. However, these are extremely rare situations, as otoplasty is unlikely to be fraught with the risk of serious complications. It should be remembered, however, that all worrisome symptoms after the procedure should be immediately consulted with a doctor.