Instructor: Welcome to your guide to ear surgery.
Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself
with the procedure
and what you can do to help improve your results.
Remember, this presentation
does not take the place of your consultation
and you should make sure to jot down any questions
you may want to ask us later.
Ear surgery or otoplasty is the popular procedure
for people wishing to reduce the appearance
of large or protruding ears.
This surgery may be performed at any time
after the age of five.
Procedure, how will your ear surgery be performed?
A small incision will be made along the back of the year,
then one of two common techniques
to reshape the cartilage will be used.
In the first technique,
the cartilage is either trimmed or a piece is removed,
then the cartilage is reshaped and stitched back
in order to pin the ears closer to the head.
In the second technique
the cartilage is reshaped by folding instead of trimming,
and then stitched to create a new contour.
The incision is then closed,
the head is wrapped in bandages
to maintain the ears new position
and to help the healing process.
Preparation, every person has unique goals
which will affect the way your ear surgery is performed.
It is important to discuss your desires
and to listen closely during the consultation
so that you can set realistic expectations.
A great result can only be achieved
when there is good communication between us.
Together we will select the technique
that will provide the best result for you.
When you meet with our patient coordinator
we will discuss fees and costs.
Some suggestions to help you prepare for surgery.
Your safety matters to us.
You should be very open,
provide your medical history, drug allergies,
list any previous surgeries,
medications, diet pills,
vitamins and herbs you're taking
even if you don't think they're important.
Also, don't be afraid to be frank with us
about your lifestyle,
smoking, the strenuousness of the work you perform,
your exercise habits and the importance
of getting back to work.
Here are some tips that may help you reduce scarring,
shorten your recovery time,
and decrease your chances of complications.
Discontinue using aspirin, ibuprofen,
Naprosyn, St John's wort and vitamin E
for one week before and a few days after your procedure.
These act as blood thinners
and could cause problems with blood clotting.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol in excess well in advance,
and for one week after surgery.
Drink lots of water in the days
leading up to your ear surgery,
hydration will help you recover more quickly.
To make you recovery easier and more comfortable be sure to;
arrange for someone to take you home
and take care of you for at least the first day,
place plenty of pillows and a bed wedge nearby
so that you can keep your head elevated.
Recovery, after surgery your ears may ache or throb,
but pain is usually minimal
and can be treated with basic pain medication.
Stitches will come out or be absorbed on their own
between a week and 10 days.
Swelling and sensitivity may linger
for as long as one month.
The recovery process is different for everyone
but within a day of your ear surgery,
you should be up and walking around,
keep your head elevated for two or three days
while applying small ice packs
to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
After a few days, the bandages will be removed.
You should plan on being out of work
and away from your usual activities for the first few days.
For the next two to three weeks
your ears may be very sensitive
and strenuous physical activities should be limited.
Most patients will need to wear a tight fitting headband
for at least one month
in order to secure the ears in their new position.
Activities where the ear may be bent forward
should be avoided for one month following surgery.
Scars from ear surgery are usually small
and because they are placed along the back of your ears
they are often unnoticeable by others.
Results are usually permanent
that there might be some minor changes
in size and position as you age.
As with all medical procedures
be sure to choose your surgeon wisely.
It is important to choose an experienced surgeon
you can trust and develop a good rapport with,
so you can openly discuss your concerns and particular needs
throughout the process of consultation,
surgery and aftercare.
Should you decide to move forward with your ear surgery
a surgery date will be scheduled.
Prior to surgery you will be given complete preparation
and recovery instructions.
Remember to keep your follow-up visits
as we are here to help make
this a wonderful experience for you.
Feel free to review any part of this presentation you like
and be sure to take a look
at our before and after gallery
to get a better idea of the result you may achieve.
(upbeat music)