I got otoplasty 3 days ago and one of my ears is painful and purple inside. Is this normal?

Question

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

The more asymmetry of symptoms the more likely there is a problem. The best thing to do is to contact your surgeon and have them check it out. A large, swollen, purple ear may be normal swelling and bruising or may be a hematoma. Swelling and bruising will get better with symptomatic care. A hematoma, on the other hand, requires drainage to prevent a cauliflower ear deformity. Without pictures it's impossible to discriminate between the two, but your plastic surgeon will know immediately with a short visit. Give them a call.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Unfortunately without a photo to look at it is not possible to say if it is normal swelling and bruising that comes with the procedure or if it is inflammation. I would recommend calling  and consulting with the medical staff and surgeon with the concerns that you have.

Waldemar Merck, MD · Answer

Without a photo, it is not possible to judge whether an inflammation lies behind your complaints, or whether the post-operative course is normal up till now. Regardless of whether you were operated on with a traditional, invasive method, by which the ears are cut open, or with the gentle, minimally invasive stitch method, by which the ears are no longer cut open, pain and redness are possible in the first 3 days. However, pain and redness can also be signs of the beginning of an inflammation of the ears. It’s best to consult your surgeon.

I got otoplasty 3 days ago and one of my ears is painful and purple inside. Is this normal?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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I got otoplasty 3 days ago and one of my ears is painful and purple inside. Is this normal?

Answers (3)

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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.