8 years post otoplasty my doctor removed 1 suture that caused problems. Will this have negative effects?

Question

had otoplasty 8 years ago. For a few years behind my ear has been red and swollen and bleeds when touched too hard. There is also drainage. I've been too scared to see the doctor for these years but finally went. He found & removed a suture today, but he didn't know if this was the one causing the problem. If it is the one, how long will it take for my ear to be healed? Also, could this have any long-term negative effects on me? I am very nervous.

Thomas T. Le, MD · Answer

Otoplasty involves the placement of sutures to pin back an overprojected ear.  These sutures are typically the nonabsorbable permanent type.  Usually these sutures are encapsulated in scar if placed correctly.  However, it is well known that they may work themselves out and potentially become infected.  Fortunately, I have not had this occur in my own patients, but have seen it happen from other patients anywhere from 6 months to 10 years after their surgery.  If the infected suture was effectively removed, then no further action is needed.  If the suture was present in your ear for at least several months before being removed, then it is unlikely that your ear will snap back to it pre-surgical position.  Hope this helps!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Complications associated with the
use of permanent sutures during setback otoplasty are fortunately rare.  The vast majority of these
complications occur early in the post-operative course, but rarely they may occur
in the late post-operative period.

When infection is associated with
deep buried sutures, the process typically starts with a suture eroding through
the over lying skin.  This opening
represents a portal for bacteria, which then sets up and grows
around the suture. It’s not unusual to have redness, inflammation and purulent
drainage in the area.

When this situation arises, it’s
impossible to eradicate the infection without removing the infected
suture.  Although topical
anesthesia may be used, most people don’t require anesthesia.  Once the suture is removed the patient
is usually given a short course of antibiotics.

The vast majority of patients do
well when infected sutures are removed. Rarely infection recurs because
adjacent sutures also become infected. 
When patients develop this type of complication in the late
post-operative period, suture removal doesn’t impact the ear contour because
healing has already taken place.

It’s important that you contact
your surgeon immediately.  Ear
infections should be treated early and aggressively before infection can spread
to the cartilage.

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

As some of the other posters pointed out, suture extrusion is really the only long term complication. After the infected suture is removed the ear should be fine.

Nia Banks, MD, PhD · Answer

What you described is not uncommon.  We generally use 3-5 permanent sutures during an otoplasty to bend the cartilage.  When one suture extrudes, we remove the offending suture.  The others should be left unless they are causing a problem.  Once the irritating suture has been removed, the skin should heal quickly. Avoid traumatizing the area and keep it clean.

Mark Domanski, MD · Answer

Sounds like an inflamed sutures, good news is that it is now out!
When I have a patient that is nervous, I try to make them feel more comfortable by some self-deprecating humor.  "You are making me nervous." or "I am going to have to go and take a smoke after this one."  (I don't smoke).  Usually this gets a smile.  I hope your surgeon was able to make you feel more at ease.
There is no way to know 100% if something is causing a problem.  We are not all-knowing sentient beings.  Sounds like your surgeon was honest with their opinion.
After removal of an inflamed stitch, it generally takes a couple of days for the inflammation to get better and the site to heal.
The long term negative effects are unlikely.  But I hope you are feeling better by the time you read this.
Best of luck on your journey and please see your doctor for specific advice.

8 years post otoplasty my doctor removed 1 suture that caused problems. Will this have negative effects?

Answers (10)

Answer: Otoplasty Suture Complication

Answer: Otoplasty Suture Complication

Answer: Sounds like an inflamed suture...

Answer: Sounds like an inflamed suture...

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Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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8 years post otoplasty my doctor removed 1 suture that caused problems. Will this have negative effects?

Answers (10)

Answer: Otoplasty Suture Complication

Answer: Otoplasty Suture Complication

Answer: Sounds like an inflamed suture...

Answer: Sounds like an inflamed suture...

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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.