What do you need to bear in mind if you have external ear reconstruction surgery?
The advice below will help patients who have had external ear reconstruction surgery to recover:
- We recommend you sleep with your head raised, without lying on the operated area.
- We advise you treat the wound with an antiseptic solution and keep it clean and dry.
- Avoid getting the area wet during your daily hygiene routine until medical personnel advise otherwise.
- Keep the area covered to avoid blows.
- It is very important that after the surgery you begin to move as soon as possible and gradually (avoiding pressure or shock to the operated area).
- It is a good idea to start breathing exercises as soon as possible using the tips provided by the hospital.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- If you notice any signs of infection (swelling, fever, redness, localised heat or pus-like secretion), bleeding, tissue damage, new or increased pain, you must go to A&E.
- Follow a balanced diet, increasing intake of proteins where possible to encourage tissue regeneration.
- The treatment you should follow will be given in your medical discharge report: it generally includes pain relief (to reduce pain) and antibiotics (to avoid infections).
- You can continue living as you normally would after the operation, but during the first few months you should avoid exercise and overexertion, such as lifting heavy weights.
- It is advised to completely abstain from the consumption of tobacco and other toxins, as they slow the healing process.
Other related health information
- Breathing exercises
- Nutritional Service
- Preventive Medicine Service