Should the sutures behind the ear after an otoplasty be removed?

Question

Hi there i had an otoplasty 20 months ago.The last few months something black and thin has surfaced threw my ear's skin.I think the are sutures that just came on top.My question is should they be removed and is there a danger that this could cause an infection?

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.Permanent sutures are used during otoplasty surgery to pin back the ears. The sutures are thin and situated underneath the thin skin on the back of the ear. One of the risks of this surgery is that these permanent sutures can make there way to the surface. Most plastic surgeons believe that these sutures are no longer needed for support after 6 months. The sutures are not routinely removed unless they create problems like in your case.Since your surgery was 20 months ago, I see no reason that the suture cannot be removed. At this point, I don't think you will risk your ears "springing" out again. Talk to your surgeon, so that you can make plans to remove this one suture. The other remaining sutures do not need to be removed. Otoplasty patients have lived with their permanent suture their whole lives without problems.Good Luck!

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

even if a suture is not currently causing an infection, if it is protruding, it means there is a connection from the skin to the inside.  cartilage is susceptible to infections, so I typically would recommend removing.  a slight bounce back of the ear is possible, but after six months, enough scarring has typically occurred that this is less of a concern.  best to return to your operating surgeon to have him acess it.

Sharline Z. Aboutanos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend that you follow up with your surgeon to be sure that the area looks normal for this time period. If there are sutures coming through your skin, they may need to be removed as they can cause infection.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Your surgeon is your best resource.  Permanent sutures are used, but the suture that has surfaced may need to be removed.

Should the sutures behind the ear after an otoplasty be removed?

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