Otoplasty - Dissolvable Vs Permanent Sutures

Dear Otoplasty patient from Sydney,
One the most common complications associated with Otoplasty in adults is recurrence of the prominent ears. It also depends if any conchal cartilage was reseceted or not. I personally use permanent sutures and remove conchal cartilage for adults to prevent recurrence.
 

I read your concern. I'm sorry your ears reverted to their pre-op state after your otoplasty surgery.

I have been tempted for years to try long lasting (90-120 days) absorbable sutures, like PDS sutures, for my otoplasty patients.

Permanent sutures are associated with extrusion in around 5% of otoplasty surgeries. This is an acceptable complication rate: an extruded suture may present  well over a year after your surgery, and extrusion typically does not compromise your final result. An extruded stitch may be removed in the office with local anesthetic and minimal inconvenience.

You should do well with permanent suture otoplasty surgery. Could you email me the type and gauge suture your surgeon used? 

Good luck with your ears.

Regards from NJ.