Otoplasty; How common is recurrence of prominent ears after otoplasty using dissolvable stitches?

In our practice, we use permanent sutures to hold the ear cartilage in its new position until the healing process is complete which takes 6-12 months. The sutures are located in underneath the skin and are placed in the cartilage and the perichondrium of the ear. For many examples  and more information, please see the link and the video below

If disaolvable sutures are used to fix the cartilage, then recurrence is a significant risk.  Most people use non-absorbable sutures, for that reason.

Immediately after otoplasty, the ears normally look over-corrected or plastered against the head; they "swing out" a few millimeters after the dressings are removed and swelling resolves.  Complete recurrence, or the ears "going back" their preoperative appearance is unusual.  That being said, there are multiple techniques for reshaping ears, and different surgeons have different preferences in terms of cartilage removal, cartilage shaping, and the use of absorbable versus permanent sutures.  In my practice, conservative cartilage excision at the concha and permanent sutures used to reshape the antihelical fold in the upper third of the ear are most common, depending on problems to be addressed.  I think you would do well to discuss your concerns with a plastic surgeon who performs a lot of otoplasty, carefully examine his/ her before and after photos, and inquire about complications and revision rates.  Best of luck!