Otoplasty Side Effects

As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty, which includes both cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgery, has potential side effects. Although they are extremely minimal, these side effects can cause patients post-surgical discomfort and pain. Below is an explanation of the most common otoplasty side effects.

Pain after Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

The post-operative pain associated with otoplasty should be minimal, and can be relieved with medication. After surgery, special bandages are carefully wrapped around the patient’s head to prevent as much discomfort as possible, and allow the patient to rest more easily. Prolonged pain after otoplasty may indicate the development of complications from the surgery, and a medical professional should be contacted right away.

Itching and Aching

After otoplasty, there is a very good possibility that the patient will experience some itching and aching at the surgery site. The itching is typically a side effect of the sutures, which can become dry and irritated. It is particularly important that parents of young otoplasty patients take extra precautions to prevent their children from scratching their ears after surgery. Ruptured sutures can cause significant damage to the improvements achieved with the procedure, as well as lead to infection and other complications.

Aching or throbbing are other common side effect of otoplasty and can be alleviated with medication. Ideally, these effects should dissipate several days after surgery. Because the surgery is performed on the head, an area of the body with significant and constant blood flow, throbbing after otoplasty is normal as the ears react to their new positioning. If the aching continues for an extended period of time, patients are advised to get in touch with their doctor immediately.

Numbness

Many otoplasty patients experience some degree of numbness following the procedure. Because the nerves in and around the ears must be regenerated, it is not uncommon for some feeling to be diminished or lost immediately after surgery. Numbness and other abnormal nerve sensations can last for a few days or up to several months after otoplasty before returning to a normal state. Patients with numbness of the ears must be particularly careful to avoid exposing their ears to extreme heat or cold, such as a curling iron or ice pack, as the area can become damaged without the patient even realizing it.

Talk to a Facial Plastic Surgeon about Otoplasty Side Effects

For the most detailed information on the side effects of otoplasty, patients should speak with a plastic surgeon trained in cosmetic ear surgery. A skilled physician will be able to answer questions specific to your individual needs, and provide you with relief from your concerns. Locate a facial plastic surgeon near you by searching DocShop’s directory of experienced doctors.