Post-Op Otoplasty, Should I Use Vaseline on the Wound to Avoid Scarring?

Normally scarring is minimal with otoplasty because the incisions are located behind the ear.  As it sounds like you had extra work along the earlobe, then a combination of diluted Hydrogen Peroxide to cleanse the crusts and Bacitracin ointment to keep the incision line moist is our usual regimen.  In the long term after initial healing, Vitamin E massage can help to soften any scarring.  Be sure to call your surgeon to find out what their protocol is for post operative situation.

Generally I recommend using antibiotic ointment for a couple of weeks as this helps the healing process. I think vaseline would be ok but you should check with your PS. 

Thank you for the question.

Specific aftercare instructions should be provided by your plastic surgeon. Personally, I do not ask patients to use any solution/lotion on the suture line.  The  suture lines tend to heal very nicely;  sometimes manipulation can do more harm than good.

Again, please check with your plastic surgeon for specific  instructions.

Best wishes.

Peroxide will dry the skin and counteract the effects of Vaseline, which is a good moisturizer and effective in reducing the scarring.

I would try to contact your surgeons staff who may be able to provide you with the typical recommendations your surgeon has for managing  post operative surgical sites.  There are a number of options ( from nothing to Peroxide and Ointments, to covering the wound)  for treating post operative wounds and this is dependent on the surgeon and their preference and experience of what they think works best.  In general wound healing occurs faster/better when there is no crusting on the incisions.   Cleansing of the incision followed by use of  topical ointments can  resolve the crusting much faster than no treatment.