All surgical procedures, even for patients in good health, carry some risk and can result in unpredictable complications.
It is of the utmost importance to implement all preventive measures to mitigate the risks where possible, by reducing and eliminating common risk factors such as smoke, obesity and concomitant disease, which are open to treatment before the operation. Likewise, it is crucial that patients follow meticulously all indications given by the surgeon post-operatively; correct wound management (sterility), intake of prescribed medications and proper application of compression garments.
Despite the above-mentioned preventive measures, some complications may still occur, fortunately to a minor extent in the majority of cases. Systemic complications, e.g. anaesthesia-related, are very rare. The complications related to otoplasty are mainly:
It is noteworthy that for people in good health, whose pre-operative blood tests are within the normal range, statistics show that the incidence of serious complications is very low. If complications do occur it is crucial for patients to be emotionally stable in order to face and overcome them. In this respect, support from partners and/or relatives can play a major role in the recovery process, thus it is advisable to avoid having surgery without a support network. Additionally, an open and honest dialogue with the surgeon, who must be promptly notified of any doubts, is essential to correctly manage complications.
The Dr. Simone is medical director at the Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic of Rome, where, in addition to carrying out surgical activities, he dedicates himself to teaching and scientific research, in an international academic context.