Temporal reduction surgery is an aesthetic head reshaping procedure done to reduce the width at the wide of the head. This is done through removal of the posterior portion of the large temporalis muscle which covers the side of the head. Done through a hidden incision in the sulcus behind the ear, it creates an immediate reduction of a convex side of the head shape to a smaller and straighter profile from the front view. Here are some basic postoperative instructions for this procedure..
1. Most temporal reduction procedures do not cause a lot of postoperative discomfort. A pain medication prescription is provided but many patients usually only feel the need to use Tylenol or Ibuprofen after the first day or two after the surgery. You may also feel free to use ice packs on the side of the head for discomfort relief and/or swelling reduction the first night after surgery if you desire.
2. In all temporal reduction surgery, there will be a circumferential wrap around the head for the first night after surgery. This wrap is removed the morning after surgery. It does not need to be used thereafter. Also a small drain that exits behind your ears will also be present. It will also be removed the following morning.
3. The sutures placed behind the ears will be dissolveable. There is NO need to apply antibiotic ointment on them. They require no topical care. They will go way on their own.
4. You may shower as normal the day after surgery nd you may wash your hair as normal 48 hours after surgery. There is no harm in getting the behind the ear suture lines wet.
5. Temporal reduction will cause some swelling that may find its way into the side of your face. It may take up to two days after surgery to see the full extent of the swelling. It may also take about ten days for such swelling to fully go down. You may, however, wash your face and apply make-up over any bruised areas the following day.
6. There are no limitations to any physical activities after temporal reduction surgery. You may feel free to run, workout and do any non-contact sporting activity as soon as you feel comfortable.
7. You may eat and drink whatever you like right after surgery.
8. You may drive the next day after surgery when you feel comfortable and are not on any pain medication.
9. You may wear regular or sunglasses when the temporal swelling permits and it feels comfortable to do so.
10. If any temporal redness, increased tenderness or swelling, or incisional drainage develops after the first week of surgery, call Dr. Eppley and have your pharmacy number ready.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana