The dressings after this can be repeated every second or third day, as may be required, although these wounds heal surprisingly well.
Moist dressings are to be avoided at all times, they soften the edges of the wound and prevent primary union.
Fig. 143. Fig. 144.
Posterior View of Replaced Auricles.
The sutures are removed on the ninth or tenth day, whereafter the patient may be allowed to go without the head bandage, but is strictly instructed to replace it at night with a band of muslin three inches wide, snugly pinned around the head to prevent the ears from being injured or torn away from their new attachment by sudden movements during sleep. This bandage should be worn at night for at least a month.
When only a part of the ear is overprominent the operation undertaken should in the main be according to the methods just described, the incisions being changed in extent accordingly.
In the illustrations above, [Figs. 143 and 144], are shown the posterior view of the ears before and after operation. At no time should the ears be placed too closely to the head, as is often peculiarly requested by the patient, as it gives an unnatural appearance and predisposes toward the collection of filth in the sulcuses that is hard to remove. The distance from the head to the outer rim of the ear should be about half an inch at its widest part.