Patient Resources

Post-Operative Instructions : Ear Surgery (no tubes)

1. In general, activity should be limited for approximately one week after surgery.

2. Avoid blowing the nose for two weeks. If sneezing or coughing occurs, open the mouth widely.

3. A small amount of bloody drainage is not unusual.

4. Your doctor will give specific instructions if any type of bandaging is used.

5. Change the cotton ball in the ear canal at least daily or after use of prescribed ear drops.

6. Call the office during normal office hours for routine questions and medication refills. Call at any time for problems such as persistent nausea, excessive pain or high fever (over 101° for more than 12 hours that does not respond to Tylenol, increased fluid intake, or cool baths).

7. Sutures are usually removed in the office one week after surgery. The suture line may be washed with soap and water. Hair may be shampooed, however, a cotton ball covered with Vaseline should be used in the ear canal to keep out water.