3 week Right Ear

Tuesday July 30, 2013

3 weeks post-op Right Ear

Today we saw Dr. Reinisch in Palo Alto at California Ear Institute.  We are so lucky that Dr. Reinisch is up our way at least once a month and he can check on Sam's ears in person!  

Here are some pictures of Sam's ear 3 weeks post-op.  Dr. Reinisch is pleased with the healing so far. 

In the picture, you can see some of the "dead" skin starting to scab and peel off.  Between week 2 and 3 (the week immediately following the dressing coming off), you are asked to just gently wash the ear with soap and water with your hands.  It's hard to get some of that "stuff" off with just your hands.  I was waiting for Dr. R to give the "ok" to start washing the ear gently with a cloth.  In the bath later that night, I was able to get most of that off.  

 

 

In this view, you can see how Sam's face is asymmetrical.  The right ear looks a little bigger, but we are still in the healing phase, so it will settle down in a few months.

In this shot, you can see that the skin graft taken from the back of her head is healing nicely and the hair is already growing back.

Big Ear Reveal (right side)

Tuesday July 23, 2013

2 weeks post-op

2 Big Ears! It's still hard to believe. 

This ear is a bit more swollen than the first one was 2 weeks out.  It's totally normal though.  Sam's first ear had the least amount of swelling of any ear he has done that early on.  I'll be honest, it's harder for me this time around because the ear looks so different than the first one.  I know it takes approximately 6 months for the ear to heal, but of course, I want results now!

Big Ear Reveal

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2013 

2 Weeks Post-Op

We are back in LA for the big unveiling of Sam's left ear.  My emotions are all over the place, excited, nervous, anxious, but most of all grateful!

Francesca is taking out the ear cup stitches

Loosening the ear cup

Taking the cup off...first look!

Washing her hair and cleaning the ear.  Her hair really needed a good washing since it had been 2 whole weeks without washing.  I was praying I would be able to get all the tangles out of it!

Clean, brushed hair and a big smile after she saw the ear for the first time!  Her first comment, "I look like Ella!"  (Ella is her little sister)

 Official office pictures

Samantha and Dr. Reinisch

Before and after photos

Happy girl!!