Otoplasty
Important Notice
These instructions provide general guidance and may be modified by Dr. Khalid Almutairi according to the procedure, the technique used, and the patient’s medical condition. If this information differs from the direct instructions or discharge prescription given to the patient, the patient-specific medical instructions must be followed. Do not change a medication dose, stop medication prescribed for a chronic condition, or begin a new treatment without medical guidance.
This information does not replace medical assessment or postoperative follow-up.
Dressing Changes
The dressing should be removed at the time stated in the discharge instructions, commonly after 48 hours unless the doctor specifies otherwise.
The patient may attend the clinic after two days for a dressing change if this is consistent with the discharge instructions.
If the doctor permits removal at home, remove the dressing gently at the specified time before showering.
Do not pull the dressing forcefully or try to remove material stuck to the wound by force.
Showering
After the dressing is removed, shower with warm, not hot, water.
Keep the shower flow gentle and indirect over the ear.
Do not rub behind the ear or around the sutures.
Dry the area by patting gently.
Fucidin Use
If Fucidin 2% has been prescribed, apply a thin layer once or twice daily for the duration stated in the discharge prescription.
Apply it behind the ear and over the suture line with a clean cotton bud, using gentle dabbing rather than wiping or rubbing.
Do not insert the cotton bud into the ear canal.
Gauze and Headband
If there is minor discharge, clean gauze may be placed over the area before applying the headband.
The headband should be secure and comfortable, not excessively tight.
Do not allow it to press firmly on or fold the edges of the ear.
The duration of headband use depends on the procedure and fixation technique and is specified in the patient’s discharge instructions.
Sleeping Position
Sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on the operated ear.
During the first night, elevating the head with three pillows is preferable.
Continue head elevation during the first few days to reduce swelling.
Avoid direct pressure on the ear for at least several weeks, according to the doctor’s instructions.
Medication and Pain Management
The clinic protocol combines paracetamol and ibuprofen unless there is a medical contraindication. The dose and intervals are specified individually in the discharge prescription; paediatric doses are calculated by weight.
Begin the prescribed pain medicines immediately after discharge rather than waiting for severe pain.
Ibuprofen must not be used in patients with kidney disease, a stomach ulcer or previous gastrointestinal bleeding, an NSAID allergy, or those using blood thinners.
Paracetamol must not be used in patients with a liver problem, raised liver enzymes, or intolerance to it.
In these situations, use the other medicine alone or an alternative selected by the doctor. See the Pain Management page for full details.
Take the antibiotic as prescribed and complete the specified course.
What to Do if Bleeding Occurs
Place several layers of clean gauze over the area.
Apply firm, continuous pressure for 20 minutes.
Do not lift the gauze every minute to inspect the wound, as this prevents clot formation.
If bleeding continues after pressure, contact the doctor immediately.
Activity and Precautions
Do not scratch, pull, or fold the ear.
Avoid strenuous sport or activities that could cause an impact to the ear.
Avoid pressure from spectacle arms over the wound.
Avoid swimming and immersing the head in water for the period specified by the doctor, commonly for several weeks.
Avoid activities that could fold the ear for approximately one month.
Children require particular care to avoid rough play and direct contact.
Sutures and Ear Support
Some sutures may dissolve; others may need removal in the clinic.
The wound is usually reviewed during the first week.
If an ear support or mould was used, it is removed at the time specified by the doctor, commonly during the first review.
When to Contact the Doctor
Contact the clinic for pain that worsens rather than improves or does not respond to the prescribed pain medicines; spreading redness; obvious warmth; pus or discharge with an unusual odour; fever; a change in the colour of the ear skin; or a soft swelling or sensation of fluid behind the ear.
Seek urgent medical assessment for rapid or severe swelling of one ear, or heavy bleeding or bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
Clinic Contact
Telephone: 920027778
Email: surgeplastic@gmail.com — awaiting authoritative confirmation
Location: The First Clinic, Al Zahra, Jeddah — awaiting authoritative confirmation
Do not rely on email in a potentially life-threatening emergency.
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