polskiniemieckiangielski

EAR SURGERY
SYN. RESHAPING, OTOPLASTY

Preparing for surgery

  • Required laboratory tests: blood cell count, clotting profile (coagulogram), hepatitis B vaccination. In case of intravenous anaesthesia blood ion level; in patients over 40 years old ECG.
  • For one week prior to the surgery aspirin, other acetylsalicylic acid products and other blood thinning products should be avoided. Drugs that enhance coagulation and decrease blood vessel wall permeability such as vitamin C and Rutinoscorbin (rutin and ascorbic acid tablets) are recommended.
  • In case of local anaesthesia: a light meal is acceptable. In case of intravenous anaesthesia: food, drinks, chewing gum, chewing sweets (including Tic Tac) and smoking are forbidden for six hours before the surgery.
  • Recommended: good health, make – up removal before the surgery, jewellery removal from the ears before the surgery.

    • Description of procedure

    Anaesthesia: local or intravenous.

    Length: 30 – 60 min.

    Discharge from clinic: on the day of procedure.

    The procedure is most often conducted for protruding ears but correction of the ear shape and size is also possible. Surgery of the prominent ears is done to set the ear back closer to the head and create the missing fold called antihelix. The procedure can be done in children more than 5 – 7 years because at this age the auricle growth is completed.
    Stitches are placed on the posterior surface of the auricle and therefore the scar is not visible.

    Recovery

    1. A band protecting the ears has to be worn day and night for the first two weeks and during the night for the next two weeks.
    2. Stitches will be removed 9 – 12 days after the surgery.
    3. Usually there are: some pain relieved by pain – killer medications as well as some swelling and bruising which subside within 10 – 14 days.
    4. Possible complications: persistent swelling, haematoma, bleeding and infection. Such complications occur rarely
      and require further treatment. Recurrence of the protrusion is also possible (especially in elder patients) requiring repeat surgery.

    Duration of results

    The result is usually permanent.

    Frequently asked questions

    A friend of mine has recently undergone a procedure of earlobe reduction. The procedure was done in local anaesthesia and she ensured me that it was completely painless. In the nearest future I am going to have an ear surgery for my protruding ears but I am very pain sensitive. Can the local anaesthesia guarantee that
    I will not feel anything?

    Most patients feel comfortable during a surgery in local anaesthesia. However if you and your surgeon decide that you can feel more comfortable with short intravenous anaesthesia, the procedure can be done in this kind of anaesthesia.

    When after the surgery can I wear earrings again?

    You can wear earrings as soon as the stitches are removed. However you may find it more comfortable when you stop wearing the band.

    When after the surgery can I wash my ears?

    You can wash your ears 3 – 5 days after the surgery when swelling is reduced.