What Happens when Otoplasty Stitches Are Left in Too Long?

Permanent non absorbable skin
sutures are typically removed in 7 to 10 days following otoplasty.  When sutures are left in place for
longer periods, several potential problems can occur.  Although increased pain may occur with late suture removal,
this is rarely a problem.  In the
vast majority of patients, the most significant consequence of delayed suture
removal is increased scarring.

It’s important to realize that no
two patients are the same and that in some cases it may be appropriate to leave
sutures in place for longer periods of time.  If you have questions about this topic, it’s important to
discuss them with your surgeon.

There are many different options for suturing an otoplasty incision.  I use dissolvable sutures so no removal is needed.  If we were to use sutures that don't dissolve, I would typically take them out in 7-10 days.  After 21 days they may a little more sensitive, but it shouldn't be too bad.  The most important thing is having a nice long lasting result from your otoplasty

I often use dissolvable sutures because:
 1)  Finding a date to remove sutures can be hard
 2)  Nobody enjoys removing sutures
 3)  Evidence exists that healing is similar.
If sutures are left in too long, they may or may not lead to rail-road track type scarring.  I would ask your doctor about their preference for suture removal.
Best of luck on your journey.

Otoplasty ear plastic surgery sutures are usually removed 6 days after the procedure. Many times the sutures that are put are absorbable and will dissolve on its own. If they were left in longer than that, the absorbable sutures are not likely going to make a huge difference in terms of your end result. But if they are the permanent kind, you could get what you call train track markings. Essentially the pressure from the sutures when they are left in too long will cause marks to form that resembe train tracks.  This is the reason that surgeons don't tie the sutures too tight nor leave them in too long.

Thanks for reading, Dr Young

The deep sutures placed in otoplasty to reshape the cartilage are usually permanent, so they are never removed. Skin sutures, on the other hand, are usually removed in about a week. Often, I will use dissolvable skin sutures, but will still remove them after a week or so. Leaving sutures in for too long can lead to unfavorable scarring.