I Still Have Stitches from an Otoplasty Left in After Almost 13 Years, Would It Be Wise to Get Them Removed?

These are permanent sutures and do not need to be removed unless there is a problem. If they are causing issues, they can safely be removed.

Permanent sutures are often used to hold the reshaped cartilage when an otoplasty is performed.  They can erode through the skin and become infected years after the surgery.

They can be easily and safely removed at this point.  Removal will clear up the infections and will not affect the shape of the ear this long after surgery.

During an otoplasty it is common to use sutures on the cartilage that are permanent.  Most of the time these can stay in place forever.  If the stitches become infected or come to the surface they need to be removed.  After this much time the cartilage should not have a problem holding its shape.  Best Wishes, Dr. Peterson

More than likely a permanent type nylon suture was used.  If these are poking through the skin it is best to have them removed.  They have already served there purpose and there will be no change to the shape of your nose when removed.  

in general you'd like to leave the sutures in place. However, if you're having continued issues with infection or at the very least chronic inflammation it would be wise to remove them. You should consult with a few facial plastic surgeons before proceeding

please forgive typos this was sent via voice-recognition

Chase Lay, MD

double board certified facial plastic surgeon

The sutures are typically left in to maintain the shape of the ear. However, given that you're experiencing frequent infections an argument could be made to remove the offending sutures. The risk that needs to be balanced is that removal of one or more sutures could allow the upper part of your ear to re-protrude. Unfortunately if that occurs and it troubles you revision surgery would be the only option for re-shaping the ear. I hope this information is helpful.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS