Swelling following Otoplasty. Should I be concerned or am I concerned too early on? (photos)

Question

I am day 4 post-op bilateral otoplasty. I had a large compression bandage in place through my appointment this morning, when it was removed. I'm told the swelling and discoloration will continue to resolve. My concern is the appearance of my left ear crease. My surgeon is out of town and my follow up was with the resident surgeon whom was present in my surgery.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is very important to understand the difference between the swelling alone or hematoma which is collection of blood under the skin.  If there is any soft swelling in the left ear it could be collection of blood and needs to be removed immediately.  You need to be examined in person and any hematoma needs to be evacuated.RegardsDr. J

Ioannis Gkotsikas, MD, PhD · Answer

It is very hard to tell if this is a case of hematoma or just swelling from the operation without a clinical evaluation. Hematoma is not very common and is often associated with pain. From your photos i think that it is probably only swelling that will resolve in some weeks. During your postop visit a hematoma should be rather easy to detect.Best of luck with your recovery!

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Swelling is normal after otoplasty surgery.  The main concern in the early postop period is making sure you do not have a hematoma/bleeding.  You photo does not appear to demonstrate such a concern, but an examination is necessary to make that determination as was done during your postop visit.  I will keep my patients in some sort of compression such as a headband for several weeks following surgery.  Be sure to follow your surgeon's recommendations and make him/her aware of any concerns.  Best wishes!

Babar Sultan, MD · Answer

Without examining you or having been present for the operation, it is difficult to give you my full impression.  I do agree with you that your anatomic right ear (you refer to it as the left ear) has an initial appearance concerning for a fluid collection (hematoma or seroma).  The reason it is concerning appearing is because the underlying cartilage framework is no longer discernible.  It could be just swelling but its hard to tell without examining you. I highly recommend calling your surgeon's practice and getting re-examined preferably by an attending surgeon.  Wish you the best!

Swelling following Otoplasty. Should I be concerned or am I concerned too early on? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Otoplasty

Answer: Otoplasty

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Swelling following Otoplasty. Should I be concerned or am I concerned too early on? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Otoplasty

Answer: Otoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.