INSTRUCTIONS FOR MICROTIA SURGERY

No eating of solid foods 6 hours prior to surgery.
May drink sips of water 4 hours prior to surgery.
Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen 10 days prior to surgery.
May wash hair the night prior to surgery.
May brush teeth prior to surgery but do not allow to swallow water.
Please let us know pharmacy preference so that we may call in medications the day prior to surgery.
Please alert Dr. Bonilla of any signs of illness such as cough, cold symptoms, etc…

Before All Surgeries

microtia

The child is watched overnight. During this overnight stay, there is one-on-one nursing care. The nurses educate the parents on drain management and give instructions to the parents concerning activities, etc.…
The child is evaluated the next morning and sent home on antibiotics and pain medication (if needed).
Please assure that ear cup is worn at all times until Dr. Bonilla evaluates your child in the office.
The drain stays in place for about 5 to 7 days to provide negative suction so that the skin can co-apt to the newly inserted cartilaginous framework.
The sutures are removed during the next surgery.
Heavy activity is restricted for about 4-5 weeks. No exercise or rough play. Contact sports are restricted for about 4 to 5 weeks.
Dressing care during the 1st post-op week, no wound care is needed.
The incision on the chest area may be left alone until Dr. Bonilla examines in the office.
The hair may be washed a few weeks after surgery. Please call Dr. Bonilla’s office for any symptoms or signs of concern, to include redness, swelling or fever. Office number 210.477.3277
The next stage may proceed 1 1/2 to 2 months later.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR: If the ear becomes inflamed, turns red or purple or if bleeding increases, please call Dr. Bonilla as soon as possible (THIS IS ALL EXTREMELY UNLIKELY, BUT WE GIVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL PARENTS)

The child goes home the same day. No drains.
Medications taken: Antibiotic solution, Steroid solution, Pain medication (rarely needed)
Please assure that ear cup is worn at all times until Dr. Bonilla evaluates your child in the office.
The sutures are removed during the final surgery
No wound care is needed except observation at home.
The child can participate in activities as long as ear cup is worn during activities.
The hair may be washed a few weeks after surgery.
Please call Dr. Bonilla’s office for any symptoms or signs of concern, to include redness, swelling or fever. Office number 210.477.3277
The next stage may proceed 1 1/2 to 2 months later.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR: Redness, swelling, fever (All of these are extremely rare)

The child goes home the same day. No drains.
Medications taken: Antibiotic solution, Steroid solution, Pain medication (rarely needed)
Please assure that ear cup is worn at all times until Dr. Bonilla evaluates your child in the office.
A sponge placed behind the ear is removed in 7 days.
The sutures dissolve on their own
No wound care is needed except observation at home.
The child can participate in light activities as long as ear cup after the 2nd week.
The hair may be washed a few weeks after surgery.
Please call Dr. Bonilla’s office for any symptoms or signs of concern, to include redness, swelling or fever. Office number 210.477.3277
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR: Redness, swelling, fever (All of these are extremely rare)

For more information about microtia surgery, visit surgical details.