Q. Is it normal to have an ear discharge after ear surgery?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Yes, it is perfectly normal to have some drainage from your ears after ear surgery. This is typically caused by the skin healing process and inflammation that can occur in the inner ear. In most cases, the discharge should be watery or somewhat thick and clear with no foul odor or significant redness. If there is a persistent foul odor or redness accompanying the drainage, you may need to seek medical attention as it could indicate an infection or other problem associated with your surgical site. It's also important to note that if you have had tubes placed in your ears during surgery, you may notice additional drainage; this too is normal but should be monitored for any changes such as increased amount of drainage, color change or unusual smell.