Cosmetic ear surgery: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, collapse, severe chest pain, or rapidly worsening swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact the surgical team promptly if:

   • Pain is worsening rather than improving
   • One ear becomes much more swollen than the other
   • The dressing becomes increasingly tight or blood soaks through it
   • You develop spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, a bad smell, or fever
   • The wound opens
   • An ear becomes pale, dark, or unusually cold

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine questions about dressings, headbands, mild bruising, work, exercise, or stitch care can usually wait for office hours unless symptoms worsen.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cosmetic ear surgery. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.