Cicatrix Optima of Windsor ON | Otoplasty

Cosmetic Surgery>>Face >> Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

CICATRIX * OPTIMA 1720 HOWARD AVE, SUITE 364 WINDSOR, ON N8X 5A6 TEL/FAX: 519.971 0971

Possible Complications

Bleeding under the ear (haematoma): You should expect a small amount of bleeding from your incision line during the first 24 to 36 hours after your surgery.

Any type of surgery may result in excessive bleeding in the operated area. This may be due to a temporary increase in blood pressure, for example due to coughing. It can also occur from the effects of medication like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. Bleeding is usually manifested by acute swelling of the area, discolouration of the skin, pain and a feeling of tension. External compression of the wound usually stops it. In rare cases, if it continues, we may have to stop it after reopening the incision. Massive bleeding may require hospitalization and transfusion.

If the accumulation of blood is small, it may be allowed to absorb by itself or aspiration may be indicated as with a seroma. However, if it is large, formal drainage in an operating room may be necessary.

Infection: Infection in the cartilage following otoplasty is rare, but if it occurs, it can cause scar tissue to form. The incidence is less than 1% and severe infections are extremely uncommon. However, any surgical wound can become infected. An infection usually will become apparent a few days after the surgery. The signs are: pain, redness, heat and swelling. Antibiotics and dressing changes will often control it. On rare occasions, hospitalization and formal drainage in the operating room may be needed to control more significant infections.

You will be given a prophylactic antibiotic when undergoing your otoplasty. In addition you will be sent home with a prescription for antibiotics for 4-5 days.

Bruising: If you bruise easily, discolouration may remain for several weeks after surgery. You should advise us of any past history of bleeding disorder. In rare cases, discolouration may be permanent.

Numbness: After the operation it is not unusual to find that the skin of the ears has decreased sensation. Sensation spontaneously returns within a relatively short period of time and is usually complete in 3-4 months. Only in rare instances will sensation fail to return.

Nerve injury: Nerve injuries following otoplasty are rare.

Scarring - Prominent, unsightly scars (thick, red, ropy, itchy, and painful): These scars are normally well-hidden behind the ears. The normal healing of wounds is a physiological process which continues to take place in the depths of the tissues for many months before final resolution. At first, the surgical scar is almost invisible. Then it becomes red and somewhat elevated for about 3 months. It then becomes paler, softer and flatter and reaches its resolved state in 6 to 12 months. Aesthetic surgery has its limitations. Any time the skin is opened a scar of some kind results. This may be a good scar (fine white line) or a conspicuous one, but there is always a scar of some sort.

Each individual’s healing is different. Some form fine white lines while others will form heavier ones. The surgeon has no influence on the actual formation of a scar. Factors that can influence the quality of healing include smoking, obesity, infection and bleeding. The complete mechanisms of wound healing are not yet fully understood. Thus, the factors that may lead to formation of a conspicuous scar are not yet known.

Very heavy (hypertrophic) scars or keloids (scars which escape the confines of the original wound) are uncommon. They are found most frequently on the front of the chest, abdomen, and shoulder area. Dark skinned peoples (particularly those of African, Asian or Mediterranean descent) are more susceptible to the development of hypertrophic scars.

Sun exposure of a new scar should be avoided for the first year following your operation. An immature scar exposed to sun may become more visible and pigmented.

Despite meticulous technique and attentive post operative management, a small percentage of patients will develop some unsightly scarring. The scars may widen over a period of several weeks or months or possibly exhibit a true hypertrophy (red, raised, itchy, and painful). These scars can be treated by a variety of methods including local pressure, massage, cortisone injections, topical creams, and surgical revision. Rarely, hypertrophic scars are permanent and will not respond to treatment.

Residual or recurrent deformity: This is the most common unsatisfactory result from otoplasty. It includes sharp ridges in the ear and incomplete or over correction. Recurrence of the deformity can also occur if the stitches holding the cartilage in place give way. These situations may require surgical revision.

Suture extrusion: The sutures used to fold the cartilage in its new position are permanent. Occasionally they can work themselves to the surface of the skin incision. This may or may not result in recurrence of the protruding ear.

Post-operative swelling: Some swelling after your operation is normal. Time and elevation of the head are the two most important factors in reducing swelling.