Ear Surgery: Q&A

Ask a Question

Otoplasty Suture Complications

had otoplasty 8 years ago. For a few years behind my ear has been red and swollen and bleeds when touched too hard. There is also drainage. I've been too scared to see the doctor for these years but finally went. He found & removed a suture today, but he didn't know if this was the one causing the problem. If it is the one, how long will it take for my ear to be healed? Also, could this have any long-term negative effects on me? I am very nervous.

Tags:

Comment on this

9 Doctor Answers | Asked by smith2727 in New York

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (0)

Otoplasty Suture Complication

What you described is not uncommon. We generally use 3-5 permanent sutures during an otoplasty to bend the cartilage. When one suture extrudes, we remove the offending suture. The others should be left unless they are causing a problem. Once the irritating suture has been removed, the skin should heal quickly. Avoid traumatizing the area and keep it clean.

Otoplasty Complications

The skin on the back of your ear was being irritated from the undersurface by one or more of the permanent sutures used during otoplasty. Unfortunately, we all see this occasionally in our patients. Removing it was the only thing to do. Time will tell whether or not other sutures are involved. The good news for you is that after 8 years, your ear cartilage no longer depends on the sutures to maintain its shape and structure.

Removal of suture after otoplasty

It is unlikely that removal of the suture will have any ill effect, especially since it has been 8 years since your original surgery. The only possible risk is that the ear sticks out a little. Removing the suture will more likely improve all your symptoms. If it was the correct stitch, your ear should be healed in a couple of weeks.

You might also like...

Real Stories

What Kind of Ear Doctor Should See? - Palmdale, CA

Since birth i been having my right ear deform my left ear is normal but my right ear is...

Before + After Photos

View 443 Ear Surgery photos

Suture Extrusion From An Otoplasty Is A Potential Lifelong Possibility

The only long-term complication that can occur from an otoplasty is the one you have experienced....suture extrusion. Because permanent sutures are used to hold the new cartilage shape as it heals, and the thin skin and tissue on the back of the ear, it is always possible that the knots of one of the sutures may eventually work its way through the skin. This can occur years to decades later. Several years ago, I removed an extruding suture from a 68 year old lady that had an... more

Otoplasty sutures

The permanent sutures use in otoplasty can occasionally work their way out. It should have been pretty obvious to the doctor which was the involved suture and removing the correct one should result in healing in around 2 weeks or so.

You should be fine....

As some of the other posters pointed out, suture extrusion is really the only long term complication. After the infected suture is removed the ear should be fine.

Ivan Wayne, MD

13 reviews

Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.oumedicine.com

Spitting sutures after otoplasty

Otoplasty involves the placement of sutures to pin back an overprojected ear. These sutures are typically the nonabsorbable permanent type. Usually these sutures are encapsulated in scar if placed correctly. However, it is well known that they may work themselves out and potentially become infected. Fortunately, I have not had this occur in my own patients, but have seen it happen from other patients anywhere from 6 months to 10 years after their surgery. If the... more

Ear suture infection

I have seen infected sutures from otoplasty that required removal. Usually it is sooner than 8 years post op. Probably the suture erroded through the skin and became infected. That does not mean that other sutures will do the same. If the offending suture was removed, it should heal quickly. Also there should be enough scar tissue to prevent relapse at this time. Donald R. Nunn Plastic Surgeon

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS

3 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Otoplasty surgery has a tremendous effect-spitting suture is OK

The otoplasty is a wonderful procedure and actually it is one of my favorites because it is a very artistic surgery. The surgeon must recreate the convexities & concavities of the ear to establish the normal form. Also, in most cases, the ear must be set back towards the scalp. Combining these two techniques, will allow the ear to set back in a normal position. In order to maintain the correction, it is necessary to use a suture that will never dissolve because... more

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.