Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

No fasting required unless otherwise directed. You may eat and drink normally.

Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, vitamin E, fish oil, and other blood-thinning supplements 2–3 weeks before surgery.

Day of Surgery:

• Shower the morning of surgery with mild soap; avoid lotions, deodorant, or creams.
• Remove all jewelry and piercings from the neck up.
• Do not wear makeup or skincare products.
• Wear loose, front-opening clothing (avoid pullovers).

Suggested Supplies:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Soft headband (may be provided) to protect ears during healing

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain Management: Use Tylenol as directed; avoid NSAIDs. Prescription pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medications may be provided.

Cold Therapy (optional): Apply cool compresses to reduce swelling in the first 48–72 hours (15–20 minutes on, 40+ minutes off).

Activity:

• Gentle walking is encouraged within a few days.
• Avoid bending, straining, or vigorous activity for 1–2 weeks.
• Light exercise can resume after 2–3 weeks; full exercise at 6–8 weeks.
• Be cautious with glasses or sunglasses for the first 2 weeks so they do not press on incisions.

Work: Most patients return to work in 5–7 days, depending on job type.

Bathing:

• Showering is allowed the day after surgery.
• Avoid baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, and the ocean until cleared by your surgeon (usually 2 weeks).

Incision & Ear Care

Clean incisions daily with mild soap and water.

Avoid picking at stitches; dissolvable sutures will resolve naturally.

Protect incision sites from sun exposure; use SPF 30+ when outdoors.

Some drainage, bruising, and swelling are normal and should improve with time.

Itching and numbness at the incision sites are common and temporary.

Recovery Expectations

Days 1–3: Swelling and bruising peak; use cool compresses and rest with head elevated.

Week 1: Stitches removed (if applicable). Most patients return to work.

Weeks 2–3: Light activity resumes. Swelling improves.

Weeks 6–8: Full physical activity typically allowed.

Long-term: Mild swelling and firmness may last several months as the ears heal.