before the surgery

To avoid unexpected surprises during and after the surgery, I have tried to summarize the points you should pay attention to below. The information provided here is general in nature and may vary between patients.

Medications You Use: If you are taking medications or vitamins regularly or intermittently, you should mention them during the examination. Some medications can have a negative impact on wound healing, and others may prolong bleeding times. You should not stop taking medications that you need regularly without consulting your doctor. Drugs such as Warfarin (Coumadin), Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban (Eliquis), and Edoxaban (Lixiana) should be discontinued approximately 5-7 days prior to surgery, but you should not stop taking these medications without consulting your doctor and without receiving appropriate alternative treatment. In addition to these, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (such as Preservex, Emflex; Alka-Seltzer, Anadin, Angettes, Beechams Powders, Micropirin, MigraMax, Nu-seals, Celebrex, Seractil, Keral, Arthrotec, Dicloflex, Diclomax, Dyloject, Econac, Fenactol, Mobigel, Motifene, Rheumatac, Rheumalgan, Solaraze, Volsaid, Voltarol, Eccoxolac, Eccoxolac SR, Lodine SR, Arcoxia, Lederfen, Froben, Froben SR, Ocufen, Strefen, Anadin Ultra, Brufen, Calprofen, Cuprofen, Dexcel, Feminax, Hedex, Ibuderm, Nurofen, Pedea, Solpadeine, Indolar, Pardelprin, Axorid, Orudis, Oruvail, Ketocid, Ketovail, Acular, Toradol, Mobic, Relifex, Naprosyn, Synflex, Napratac, Feldene, Mobiflex, Surgram, Clotam Rapid) should not be taken starting from 7 days before the surgery. Vitamin E, Omega-3, fish oils, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Echinacea, Valerian root, Ephedra, Kava, Turmeric, Garlic, Ginger, and high-dose Vitamin C-containing multivitamins or dietary supplements should be discontinued 7 days before the surgery.

Diet: You can continue to eat as usual, but you should avoid green tea, ginkgo, garlic, ginger, and flax seeds.

Smoking and Tobacco Products: It is beneficial to quit smoking before the surgery as they can have a negative impact on wound healing and overall health. If you cannot quit them entirely, it will be in your best interest to consume them in the least possible amount. However, if a non-standard incision, such as in the case of ear reduction, is required, we may request that you quit smoking entirely before the surgery.

Alcohol: You should stop consuming alcohol at least 48 hours before the surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you’ll undergo, we recommend avoiding alcohol for up to 1-2 weeks after the surgery.

Companion: Under local anesthesia, otoplasty is a process that is not very challenging for the patient and can be managed alone. However, having someone with you on the day of surgery may be comforting. Therefore, it might be a good idea to arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of the surgery, who will be with you when you return home or to your hotel after the surgery.

Arranging School or Work-related Leave: After the surgery, we can provide you with a stamped and signed report stating that you’ve had surgery and it’s appropriate for you to take rest for about 3-7 days.”

Barber/Hairdresser Needs: Considering that you won’t be able to visit a barber or hairdresser for about 3-6 weeks after the surgery, it would be a good idea to address these needs before the surgery.

Skin Care: You should avoid treatments that can cause irritation or minor injuries to the skin on your ears (such as peeling, blackhead removal, hair removal) starting from 2 weeks before the surgery.

If You Wear Glasses: After the surgery, we will ask you to avoid wearing glasses for approximately 3 weeks. Therefore, if you think you can’t do without glasses during this time, you can order contact lenses in advance.

If You Use Headphones: If you need to use headphones for your work, you may need to make some adjustments before the surgery. In-ear headphones are typically usable 3-5 days after the surgery. On-ear headphones, depending on the shape and pressure they apply to the ear, we recommend not using them for at least 6-8 weeks. Considering this, you may need to arrange for suitable headphones in advance.

If You Use Hearing Aids: If you use in-ear hearing aids, you can typically start using them 2-3 days after the surgery, depending on the type of surgery. However, if there is excessive swelling in your ear, your device may not fit snugly temporarily. On the other hand, if your hearing aid has a behind-the-ear part, after the surgery, the space behind your ears will noticeably decrease, so this part may no longer fit behind your ear as it did before, and you may need to make adjustments to the device. It would be a good idea to arrange for this before the surgery.

If You Use a Helmet or Headgear: If your work requires you to use special headgear that covers your ears, you should discuss this with us and take necessary precautions based on our recommendations.