Otoplasty stitch ripped day 7, while putting on band. Do I need new stitching? Will this happen to the other ear too? (Photos)

Question

I just had otoplasty 1 wk ago. The head wrap came off 2 days ago. While puttling the band on, I ripped the top stitch. one ear is stitched to my head still, while the ripped stich has released the hold on the top. Was the skin stitched suposed to attach to eachother, or will the other ear do this once the stitches desolve as well. I am stuck in the head band, if i take it out i can feel a pull on the top of the ear where the stich scliced. It start to protued out slightly and is uncomfortable.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you must see your surgeon since your surgeon and only your surgeon knows what is in that open wound and if anything will needed to be done besides wound care.

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  First and foremost, you should contact your surgeon ASAP so that you can be examined.  You can't keep the headband on for a prolonged time. If you can't take it off, you need to see your surgeon for assistance. Based on your photos, it appears that your incision sutures have opened. If that is the case, this should not affect the setback of your ears. It may affect the final appearance of the scar, however.  I hope this helps.  Good luck!

Otoplasty stitch ripped day 7, while putting on band. Do I need new stitching? Will this happen to the other ear too? (Photos)

Answers (2)