What Do I Do with Protruding Permenent Stitch After Otoplasty Doctor Answers, Tips
Ear Surgery: Q&A
Ask a Question

What Do I Do with Protruding Permenent Stitch After Otoplasty

I had otoplasty 1 year ago. Have a slightly protruding stitch and not sure what to do with it given that it's permenent stitching. Can the end be snipped off close to the skin in hope the end will recess eventually or do I leave it alone since only gets tender periodically.

Tags:
10 Doctor Answers | Asked by stevie m in Bathgate, W9
+1

Protruding sutures after otoplasty is uncommon but easy to fix (Australia)

Ear pinning back surgery (otoplasty) can be performed with the placement of permanent sutures to adjust the shape of the ear. Specialist techniques can reduce the risk of these sutures ever protruding, but it can occur occasionally. See your surgeon -removal of the problem suture is simple and will not affect the long term result of your surgery.
+1

Exposed suture after otoplasty...

Unfortunately, sometimes a suture can come through the skin. It is a natural reaction of the body sometimes and it is nothing to be worried about. All you have to do is make an appointment with your surgeon and it can easily be removed.  Your ears should remain in good position because it has been a year since surgery and they are now fixed in good position.  He then will also be able to tell you if there are any further problems developing.  I wouldn't recommend waiting... more
+1

Stitch after otoplasty coming through skin

Fortunately, this is not an uncommon problem, and has an easy solution.  You need to return to your surgeon.   He will likely pull on the stitch and remove the visible portion.  If there is any evidence of infection, he may want to remove the whole stitch.

You might also like...

Real Stories

3rd Week Otoplasty Will This Be the Final Result

I underwent unilateral otoplasty on my right ear and i want to know if this is alrady the...

Before + After Photos

View 436 Ear Surgery photos
+1

Otoplasty

Dear Stevie m, A suture that sticks out can occur with the use of permanent and longer lasting sutures.  It is easily removed in the office, just see your plastic surgeon, and he/she should be happy to take care of you. Best, Nima Shemirani
+1

Stitch after otoplasty

I would recommend going to see your plastic surgeon to have this removed.  This can be a nidus for infection and a nuisance
+1

Extruding otoplasty suture

If the suture is coming through the skin, it should be trimmed by your surgeon. Often just shortening the knot is sufficient. If you can just feel the knot, you'd want to discuss your options with your surgeon. By a year from surgery the permanent sutures aren't typically as necessary to maintain your ear shape. Usually, the scar tissue that forms will maintain the ear position. Your surgeon will have a better idea of what role the suture you're noticing has in your... more
+1

Extruded Stitches Need to be Removed

The foreign body nature of the stitch acts as a portal for bacteria to enter the skin and tends to lead to irritation and infection.  It should be removed but have your surgeon do this as it is possible for your ear to change shape if done improperly.
+1

Prtotruding stitch after Otoplasty (ear pinning)

A stitch that protrudes through the skin and can be easily identified at one year should probably be removed. However, if it is simply a prominent stitch that is palpable and not necessarily visible or exposed, I would probably leave alone.
+1

What Do I Do with Protruding Permanent Stitch After Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty)

Regarding: "What Do I Do with Protruding Permenent Stitch After Otoplasty I had otoplasty 1 year ago. Have a slightly protruding stitch and not sure what to do with it given that it's permenent stitching. Can the end be snipped off close to the skin in hope the end will recess eventually or do I leave it alone since only gets tender periodically." Ear Pinning - Correction of Prominent Ears (Otoplasty) is done by a combination of techniques, depending on which... more
+1

Suture

Exposed permanent suture shoud be removed otherwise it gets infected. See your plastic surgeon he/she can help you with that . DO NOT DO IT YOUR SELF
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

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok