Otoplasty (Genioplasty) Pre & Post-Operative Instructions
Pre-Operative Instructions
- •Please advise the doctor if you are taking any blood thinning medication (e.g. Warfarin, Disprin, Aspirin, etc.)
- •This will need to be discontinued prior to surgery as per doctor's instructions.
- •Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk of bleeding complications in all forms of surgery – please ensure your blood pressure is well controlled prior to your surgical date.
- DO NOT take any of the following medications prior to surgery:
- – Anti-inflammatories (e.g. Brufen, Ibuprofen, Myprodol, Voltaren, etc.)
- – Homeopathic medications (e.g. Arnica, Rescue Remedy, St John's Wort)
- – Vitamin E (oral or topical)
- •Prepare your skin for 3 weeks before surgery with Dermalac Lotion and Vitamin A, C & E Body Oil from Environ.
- •Take a bath or shower with antibacterial soap (or Bioscrub) on the morning of your admission.
- •Hair should be washed the night before or morning of your admission to hospital.
- •Wash your face thoroughly with antibacterial soap on the morning of your admission to hospital.
- •Do not apply day cream or make-up.
- •Regardless of whether you are having a general anesthetic or conscious sedation – you should not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to surgery.
- •If you are a smoker – NO SMOKING for 1 months prior to surgery.
- •Bring comfortable cotton underwear.
Post-Operative Instructions
- •You will need someone to drive you home after your surgery and help you for 1 to 2 days.
- •You will need plenty of rest.
- •Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to add more fruit and fiber to your diet.
- •Be sure to increase your fluid intake.
- •Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
- •Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
- •If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
- •Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increase the risk of complications.
Activities
- •Usually you will be up and about a few hours after surgery.
- •Start walking as soon as possible – this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
- •Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications.
- •You can return to work in 5 days after surgery, depending on your occupation.
- •You may resume full social activities in 5 to 10 days.
- •Avoid any activity, such as contact sports in which the ear might be bent, for at least 3 months. Always speak to your doctor about this.
Incision Care
- •"Helmet" dressing must not be removed for 7 days.
- •Avoid exposing your scars to the sun for at least 12 months.
- •Always use sunblock – regardless of the weather – if you plan to go outdoors or not.
- •Keep incisions clean and inspect through Micropore daily for signs of infection or oozing.
- DO NOT USE ANY CREAMS CONTAINING VITAMIN E TO TREAT THE INCISION AREAS FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS.
- •You may wash your hair once the "helmet" is removed.
- •You may follow your usual skincare routine – taking care to avoid applying any creams containing Vitamin E in the incision areas.
- •ScarScience, available from MASC Laser Clinic, should be applied from 6 weeks postoperatively and directly on the incision for another 3 months postoperatively.
What To Expect
- •Temporary throbbing and aching in the first hours post-operatively.
- •Large pressure dressings and bandages are applied around the ears and head, like a helmet.
- •Some swelling and bruising may last 10 to 14 days.
- •Some numbness may exist around the operative areas.
- •Tenderness could last up to 3 months.
Appearance
- •Usually, there will be a faint scar behind the ear, but this will eventually fade.
- •Do not expect both ears to match perfectly, as perfect symmetry is unlikely and unnatural in ears.
Follow Up Care
- •All sutures are either removed or they will dissolve in 1 to 2 weeks.
- •ScarScience must be applied on the incision from 6 weeks post-operatively to help with the prevention of hypertrophic and keloid scarring. It should be used for at least 3 to 6 months post-operatively.
When To Call
- •If you have increased swelling or bruising beyond 72 hours post-operatively.
- •If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
- •If you have any side effects to medications, such as rash, nausea, headache, and vomiting.
- •If you have an oral temperature over 37°C.
- •If you have any drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
- •If you have bleeding from the incisions that does not stop with light pressure.
Emergency Contact
078 867 61372
