Post Operative Instructions for Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) Indianapolis

• Cool, clear liquids are generally best for the first 24 hours after general anesthesia.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration after surgery is a serious problem that often leads to increased pain and feeling sick. Recommended fluids include: sports drinks, Pedia-Lyte, non-caffeinated soda, Kool-Aid and broth.
• If you feel nauseated, continue to take sips of fluids as tolerated and avoid solid food.
• After 24 hours and if you don’t feel sick to you stomach, you can eat soft, regular food. Avoid hot/spicy foods for at least 1 week after surgery.
• Adults should not drink alcohol for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

• Resume your regular medications as soon as you can tolerate drinking liquids. Do not take aspirin for 1 week after surgery unless directed otherwise.
• If you were given a prescription for pain medication, take it as needed for severe pain. If your pain medication makes you feel sick to your stomach, take Tylenol instead. Do not take your prescription pain medication and Tylenol closer than 4 hours apart since both contain acetaminophen. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Aleve) is not recommended unless there are no other alternatives for pain relief. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN.
• If you were given an antibiotic, take all of your medication as directed. If you develop diarrhea while taking the antibiotic, notify the doctor’s office. Eating yogurt 3 times a day can help prevent this problem.

• No strenuous activity for 2 weeks after surgery including: exercise, heavy lifting, bending, yard work or anything that includes straining or elevating your heart rate.
• Keep your head elevated to help reduce swelling and pain. At night, sleep on your side with ear up and try to avoid lying on surgical side.
• Although you should not exert yourself during recovery, you should not stay bedbound for prolonged periods. Getting out of bed and walking around the house is good for you and will help speed up your recovery.
• Children and adults will typically need to be absent from school or work for 1 week.
• Absolutely no driving for at least 48 hours after surgery. You may drive only if you are not taking pain narcotic medication.

• There will be a dressing over the ear. This will need to stay in place until your follow-up in one week. It may feel tight for the first few days, but do not remove. If your bandage has a Velcro strap, you may adjust the strap on your forehead to keep pressure on the ear.
• There will be some bloody oozing on the dressing. It may saturate the dressing. The bleeding will slow and usually stop by the second day after surgery.
• Hearing on the affected size may feel muffled, even when the dressing is removed. This may be ointment or old blood in the ear canal that the doctor will remove on follow-up.

• Bleeding from the dressing 48 hours after surgery
• Persistent vomiting 24 hours after surgery.
• Uncontrolled pain not relieved by medication.
• High fever over 102° F.

• Keep your appointment as previously scheduled.

For any urgent problems or questions after hours, please call the main office number 317-818-5438 and select option 1 to reach the answering service and inform them you are a patient of Dr. Chegar.