What Do I Do with Protruding Permenent Stitch After Otoplasty

asked 1 year ago by stevie m in Bathgate, W9
Latest answer by Andrew Miller, MD
Question viewed 867 times
Tags: ears

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.

9 answers to What Do I Do with Protruding Permenent Stitch After Otoplasty

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

Andrew Miller, MD
Edison Facial Plastic Surgeon

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.

Gordon Lewis, MD
Richmond Plastic Surgeon

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

Nima Shemirani, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

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

Thomas A Lamperti, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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.

Joseph Campanelli, MD
Minneapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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