Risks Associated With Microtia Surgery

The most common side effect of microtia reconstruction surgery is less sensitivity and numbness in the ear during the initial few months following the microtia surgery. • Infection The development of an infection after ear reconstruction is infrequent. However, sometimes it can occur and this lasts up to three weeks after the surgery. Tenderness can be caused to the skin due to the infection and there may also be some swelling and redness. The treatment of infection can be done with the help of antibiotics. • Bleeding The occurrence of bleeding is seen in 2 percent of ear reconstruction surgeries. However, it is a matter of great concern and may be there from one to ten days after the surgery. A microtia surgeon may recommend that activities that raise blood pressure should be avoided. These may include bending, lifting heavy weights or strenuous exercises. • Scarring In many cases of microtia surgery, the scars develop behind the ears. Over a period of time, they settle and become mature and a pale flat line is left behind. On certain occasions, the healing of scars is not quick and they start looking unattractive, raised and red. Sometimes, itching develops. Ugly scars happen in approximately 2 percent of surgeries. • Breakdown of wounds After the reconstructive surgery is completed by the plastic surgeon, the skin in front of the ear lacks sensation and becomes numb. Due to this, one shouldn’t lie down on the affected ears or put any kind of pressure on them; otherwise it may lead to small sores or ulcers. Over a period of time, these sores heal and disappear on their own. Wound breakdowns are experienced only by 2 percent of patients. • Numbness of the skin The skin in front of the ears becomes numb after the ear reconstruction surgery. Improvement is noticed over a period of time. In some patients, this may become a permanent issue. After the nerves of the ear start regaining ability of sensing stimuli, occasional sharp pains are common in the ear. They can be similar to getting an electric shock. Although this is rather uncomfortable, it is a good sign that the sensation is being gained again by the ears and they are going back to their normal state. • Pigmentation In few cases, the ear darkens in color and this may be noticed anytime during the twelve months after the surgery. For bringing down the chances of this condition, the ear should be least exposed to the sun during the initial months following the surgery.