Questions about the stitch method for ears correction - Are the threads visible?

Hello,Thank you for your question. In a Flap technique, which was developed by me, for correcting prominent ears, the sutures are used to fold the ear cartilage back. As I use absorbable sutures, suture extrusion after the surgery is out of question. I flatten the ears backwards with the flap tissue dehiscence and relapses after surgery is out of question as well. As I don't intervene in the cartilage no deformation occurs there. To find out more please click on the attached link. 
Best Regards

With the stitch method, sutures are basically inserted invisibly under the skin. Threads are used that cannot break or tear. If the Dr Merck Stitch Method is used, the ear cannot be folded incorrectly. The prolene sutures used are extremely tissue compatible, which is why they are used by all heart and vascular surgeons throughout the world. Diseases or imbalances have not been observed, neither in hormonal terms nor with regard to the development of cancer.Regarding the statement by Adam Goodwin:

I agree with his statement but would like to make one correction: that the stitch method hasn’t existed since 1920, but rather since 1995. The term “Stitch Method” was first used and introduced in the medical literature by Dr. Merck in Constance, Germany. The term meant a new method by which ears could be shaped merely with stitches, and carried out with no cuts, no excisions or incisions of cartilage and no development of scars anymore. In the meantime the name Stitch Method has been weakened and distorted by other surgeons and used by them as a designation for ear-pinning methods that are significantly more invasive than the minimally invasive Dr. Merck Stitch Method.

 

so in summary, all of your questions are reasonable. The stitch method for ear correction has been around for longer than almost any other technique. It was first described in the 1920s. Leaving plastic inside the body is completely safe, think of hip replacements or heart valves or hernia repairs. Many of these involve plastics which remain inside the body for ever. Your concern about damaging the cartilage is of course reasonable although, the only other alternatives are to reshape the cartilage directly which has a high risk of scar formation or using a technique like the ear fold which is again an implantable device which remains in the body permanently. My personal preference is this stitch technique as the stitches remain hidden under the skin out of view behind the ear and as long as you safely navigate the first two months after surgery, is every bit as permanent as any of the other techniques. Hope that helps. Regards, Adam Goodwin.

There are various types of permanent sutures that are used when performing an otoplasty. This is based on surgeon preference.  They can be Nylon, Mersilene, Prolene, etc. These and other permanent sutures are used when performing many other types of surgery throughout the body. Complications from these sutures are rare, but when they happen, most commonly it will be a suture abscess or local infection from the suture. The suture can also become exposed through the skin. These complications can often be treated by removal of the suture and local wound care. Again, these complications are rare.  These permanent sutures are essential in producing a long lasting, stable ear reconstruction following otoplasty.I hope this answers your questions. Make sure you seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in ear reconstruction. Good luck!