Following a post-auricular incision steri-strips are placed over the wound. The ear canal is filled with antibiotic impregnated gelfoam and then a gauze wick coated with bismuth iodide paste BIPP). This keeps the ear completely sterile and waterproof. A small piece of cotton wool completely coated with vaseline is then placed prior to application of a head dressing.
This head dressing is removed the next morning and the small piece of cotton wool completely coated with vaseline is replaced. This ensures that the ear remains waterproof and the cotton wool doesn’t stick to the BIPP gauze. The paper strips can be wet the 2nd day after surgery.
