Otoplasty
The following information is intended exclusively for Barrett Plastic Surgery patients. If you have had surgery by another surgeon, please follow up with that surgeon for your post-operative instructions. Congratulations on completing your surgery! Please reference these instructions over the coming weeks as you begin your recovery process.
Pre-Op Care
A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after surgery (public transportation/Uber is not permissible).
A responsible adult must stay with you until the morning following the procedure. If you are having several procedures, you may need or prefer assistance for 1-2 days following your procedure.
Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 24 hours after surgery.
Get plenty of rest and follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to increase your fluid intake and add more fruits to your diet.
Take all medications as instructed postoperatively.
Wash your face, hair, and body with antibacterial soap before coming into the office on the day of surgery.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Do not consume any alcohol for 2 weeks after your procedure.
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Post-Op Care
When you rest or sleep, keep your head elevated on 2-3 pillows and avoid turning on your side.
Shower 24 hours after surgery. Leave the steri strips on and pat dry with a clean towel.
Surface sutures are removed in 10-14 days.
Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.
Keep steri-strips on as directed by Dr. Barrett.
Continue wearing compression garments as directed by Dr. Barrett.
No baths, hot tubs or swimming for 6 weeks.
Avoid exposing scars to the sun for at least 12 months. Always use a strong sunblock.
What to expect
You may experience discomfort, bruising and swelling. This is normal.
Drainage from the small incisions may be significant for the first 12 hours after surgery but should stop after 24 hours.
Incisional bleeding is normal for up to 48 hours after your procedure.
It is normal for healing wounds to feel slightly tender to the touch and look pink around the edges.
Your final results will occur between 6-12 months. There will be some asymmetry of the ears initially due to swelling on one side more than the other.
It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery; but generally, after about a week, you should begin to feel better.
Recommended Products
The Essential Surgery Recovery Optimization Kit
Curated to ensure a seamless and stress-free recovery, we’ve taken the guesswork out of trying to find all your basic post-surgical needs.
BEFORE
Optimizes nutritional status prior to surgery. Take 4 capsules twice daily starting 5 days before surgery.
AFTER
Replenishes key healing nutrients and ingredients to control pain and inflammation. Take 4 capsules twice daily, starting 5 days before surgery.
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Barrett Recovery Oil
Benefits include pain relief, reducing inflammation, alleviating stress, and eliminating insomnia. Start with ½-1 dropper underneath the tongue the night of surgery. Hold the oil under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing. Increase dose as needed. Do not exceed 4 full droppers a day.
ARNICA+
Speed healing time up to 50% allowing for faster recovery from bruising, swelling, and pain. Take 1 capsule twice daily after surgery.
LivingFuel Omega Super Essentials
Anti-inflammatory effects and reduce wound infections by 50%. Take 1 tablet per 25 lbs of body weight. For example, if you weigh 125 lbs then take 5 tablets.
CALMg
Reduce stress levels, sleep faster and deeper, maintain normal heart rhythm, and build strong bones. Take 2 capsules nightly.
Masszymes
Increase absorption of key amino acids and certain vitamins, improve digestion and gut health, and faster muscle recovery. Take 3 capsules with every meal.
Skinuva
A clinically tested scar cream and team favorite, Skinuva contains highlight selective growth factors combined with a silicone cream matrix. Skinuva improves the appearance of scars nearly two times better when compared to a traditional silicone cream. Begin using 2-3 weeks post-procedure, or after the incision site has begun to scab over. If you are unsure, please consult with the medical team during your pre-op appointments.
Activities
You are encouraged to walk around the house on the day of surgery and thereafter.
Absolutely no bending, lifting or straining.
You may return to regular exercise 2 weeks after surgery. Moderately strenuous exercise or contact sports should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
Call the office if you experience any of the following
Fever of 101 degrees F or greater.
Pain is not relieved with pain medication.
Swelling, redness, bleeding, and/or foul drainage from the incision area.
Persistent nausea and/or vomiting.
You have not urinated for more than 6 hours after getting home from surgery.
If you need to seek a hospital, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 911
Providence St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica
Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles
Southern California Hospital in Culver City
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