Otoplasty problem: my ear was not pinned the same and the sutures broke through the skin, what should I do? (Photos)

Suture extrusion is a rare complication but still one of the common reasons for the need to revise or at least do a touch up following an otoplasty procedure. Sometime it can be advantageous if the touch up can be delayed, allowing more time for healing of the cartilage in the new position and maturation of the scar and fibrosis to occur, but ultimately it is a decision most reliably made by your surgeon who is best familiar with nuances of the case, the exact type and number of sutures used, and.....

At this point in your recovery,  it is most likely too early to determine if there is true asymmetry present.  Therefore, you will need to be patient and allow for time to heal.  There does appears to be abnormal swelling in the post auricular area and along the helix.  Typically swelling like this has resolved in a month.  It is possible you may have had a hematoma in this area.  Also, suture extrusion is a problem, as it provides a path for bacteria to enter.  I suggest you follow up with your surgeon to evaluate the two issues discussed above.  Good Luck!

Extruding sutures can be an entry point for the spread of bacteria, and thus, infection.  Sometimes these may be trimmed, but more often need to be removed.  Depending on the time since your surgery, the scarring that has ensued may be sufficient to at least hold your ears in their current configuration.  However, removal may permit your ear to revert to more of its pre-surgical state.  It is possible that you will need a complete revision.  I would visit with your surgeon if possible or seek out a board certified surgeon experienced with otoplasty in your area.Best wishes.

as your swelling is not completely resolved.  There isn't anything at this time that can be done except to protect your ears when sleeping and you should have gotten instructions from your surgeon about that.  See if your surgeon has a colleague in the UK who you can see for follow-up.  And if not, you should communicate with your surgeon via texts and photos and see what recommendations may be made for you to get the best outcome possible.  You are still healing and until several months have passed, there isn't much else to do.

Most methods utilize permanent sutures to hold the ear cartilage in place.  If these sutures have broken through the skin, they may provide an entry point for infection.  In essence, one should consider removing them.  It would be best, if possible, to return to your original surgeon.  Finding another surgeon in the UK may be difficult.Good luck!Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City