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Otoplasty 2 Weeks Ago: Have a Hole on the Front of my Ear and a Suture Poking out of the Top, Are They Infected? (photo)

My left ear has what I can only describe as a hole on the anti helix/concha, it scabs over but when I shower comes off, its red and swollen and I clean it twice a day as its just started to produce discharge. At the top of my ear, behind the helix, is a suture sticking out about a centimetre, looked earlier and surrounding it was a pus filled spot, again this is also swollen and hurts to the touch. Could this be suture extrusion? Should I go see my surgeon due to infection or will both be okay?

Doctor Answers 7

Problem after an otoplasty - possible infected suture knot

August 18th, 2013
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If there were no incisions made in this area to reduce the size of your concha then this is most likely an infected suture knot.  You should not delay having this examined and properly cared for prior to having a bigger problem.  

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD


Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 15 reviews

2 weeks post op otoplasty with a hole?

August 19th, 2013
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I hope you have already seen your surgeon as this is not expected and problems can develop if unchecked..

Curtis Wong, MD

Curtis Wong, MD
Redding Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 32 reviews

Hole in front of ear after otoplasty | ear pinning | ear plastic surgery

August 19th, 2013
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This could be a suture that is having some issues. I would definitely return to my surgeon to have him look at it. All you would have to do is remove and do really careful cleaning to avoid healing issues.
 

Philip Young, MD

Philip Young, MD
Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon
3.9 out of 5 stars 60 reviews

Otoplasty Suture

August 19th, 2013
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These represent extruding and/or infected sutures.  You should see your surgeon immediately. 

Andrew B. Denton, MD

Andrew B. Denton, MD
Vancouver Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 56 reviews

Otoplasty Postoperative Questions

August 17th, 2013
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The pictures are not of sufficient quality to comment on either of you questions.  I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your operating surgeon.  He or she knows the specifics of your original procedure and therefore provides the best resource when discussing the results of your surgery.

Philip E. Fleming, MD

Philip E. Fleming, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

Otoplasty suture

August 17th, 2013
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Thanks for these questions. You should check with your surgeon about suture removal. It is not necessarily infected. In many cases the suture is permanent and exposure of such a stitch should be removed. Good luck!

David C. Yao, MD, FACS

Suture extruding after otoplasty

August 17th, 2013
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You should go see your surgeon. It does sound like you have a suture extruding. It may need to be removed.
Matthew Bridges, MD

Matthew Bridges, MD
Richmond Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 17 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.