What post-op care does an otoplasty patient have immediately following surgery?

Immediately after otoplasty surgery, the patient will have the following post-op care:

- The head and ears will be bandaged. This will help to protect the ears and keep them in place.

- The patient may experience some pain. Pain medication will be prescribed to help manage this.

- The ears may be swollen and bruised. This is normal and should improve over time.

- The patient may have some difficulty hearing. This is usually temporary and will resolve as the swelling goes down.

- The patient will need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. This will help to prevent the ears from being damaged.

- The patient will need to follow up with the surgeon regularly to monitor their progress. This will typically involve check-ups at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after surgery.

Additional post-op care instructions may include:

- Keeping the ears dry for at least 24 hours after surgery.

- Avoiding contact with the ears for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

- Using a mild soap and water to clean the ears after 2 weeks.

- Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or hair products on the ears.

- Wearing a headband or hat to protect the ears from the sun.

- Sleeping with the head elevated for several weeks.

- Avoiding activities that could cause the ears to become wet, such as swimming or bathing.

It is important to follow all post-op care instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results from otoplasty surgery.