Postoperative Instructions – Ear Lobe Repair 

Maximize your results after torn or split earlobe surgery by following these basic posttreatment instructions. Please contact the office with any questions. 

General 

• Numbness around the area is common. 

• No smoking or alcohol 

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, or similar anti-inflammatory medication. You will be advised you when you may resume taking these medications. 

• Other blood thinners, such as Coumadin or Plavix, must also be discontinued, under the guidance of your primary care physician. 

• Avoid herbal medications, supplements, or teas, which may contain blood thinners 

• Herbal medications that increased risk of bleeding include, but are not limited to Vitamin E, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, kava, and St. John's Wort, fish oil, and green tea 

• Arnica montana herbal tablet may help reduce bruising and swelling Diet 

• No restrictions on specific type of food or drink. Drink plenty of fluids. 

Activity 

• Sleep with your head elevated for the first 48 hours, to help reduce facial swelling. 

• Caution while using a hair brush, hair dryer, or clothes which may catch or snag the ear. 

• Avoid contact with substances which may irritate the skin, such as hairspray and makeup. 

• Do NOT wear any earrings for 2 months. 

• Do NOT re-pierce the ear for 3 months. 

Wound Care 

• Small amount of blood from wound is normal. 

• Avoid getting area wet for the first 48 hours. 

• Place plain petrolatum ointment (ex. Vaseline) via a cotton-tip applicator on the incisions 2-4 times per day to keep the area moist for the first 2 weeks. Do not use any other creams/lotions. 

• Keep the incision dry. You may wash the area with a mild soap and warm water after 2 days. Do not soak the area in water, or leave wet dressing against wound. 

• Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not rub. 

• Your sutures will be removed 7-10 days after your procedure 

• Avoid direct sun exposure. Generally, you may start using sunscreen over the area at 1 week after the sutures are removed. 

Medication & Comfort 

• You should take the scheduled tylenol, gabapentin, and celecoxib for pain relief as prescribed. Breakthrough pain with the opiate medications. 

• Pain medications may cause drowsiness, upset stomach, and constipation. 

• Take pain medications with food. 

• Do not drink alcohol or drive while taking prescribed pain medication. 

• Refills are only available during office hours – 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. If you feel you need more pain medication, please call during those times. 

Call the nurse line (806 810 5828) if you notice: 

• More swelling on one side than the other. 

• Large spots of drainage that soak through the bandages. 

• Severe pain not responding to medication. 

• Fever greater than 101°F 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Signs of infection: If you notice foul-smelling drainage, redness, excessive swelling and pain in the treated areas, please notify us immediately. 

• Final Results: Expect the best results 6-12 months AFTER the surgery. 

If you have an issue after hours, contact Dr. Boonipat directly at 603 731 6888 

I have read and understand ALL the above instructions. I understand that the following instructions are solely my responsibility for a better post-surgical recovery. I understand that it is my responsibility to ask the surgeon about any questions or concerns related to my procedure, health, and healing process.