7 months after otoplasty, and stitches are still there, when will they dissolve?

Question

Hello there, I have done otoplasty 7 months ago, and I happen to still have some stitches behind my ears, and they are visible. I have phoned my doctor, and he told me that they will dissolve on their own. These are stitches coming out from the skin, so how long would it take for them to completely disappear? One more month?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If your surgeon said that these sutures are dissolvable, they should have dissolved well before 7 months. I suggest you see your surgeon to make sure that they are in fact dissolvable.

John Reilly, MD, FACS · Answer

If the sutures were dissolvable would have dissolved already. Sometimes sutures that are intended to stay underneath the skin and provide support for the ear repair become exposed and should be dealt with. If your surgeon has not examined you, you should make an appointment. Best of luck.

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

Traditional otoplasty techniques use permanent sutures to contour the cartilage. These are deep and should not protrude. The sutures used to close the incision are usually dissolving. Contact your surgeon to clarify if permanent sutures were used on the cartilage. If so, these exposed sutures should be addressed. Good luck!

7 months after otoplasty, and stitches are still there, when will they dissolve?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

7 months after otoplasty, and stitches are still there, when will they dissolve?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.