Is it OK for Non Absorbable Sutures to be Used on the Inside of Ear?

Otoplasty often is performed with suture techniques.  A common suture use for the reshaping of the ear cartilage is called mersilene which is a non absorbable braided suture. This suture is not removed  unless it extrudes an uncommnon but recognized complication of otoplasty.  The skin sutures may be absorbable which dissolve.  Surgeons may use absorbable sutures on the skin to avoid the need to remove them. 

Cartilage reshaping with sutures requires the use of non-absorbable sutures or at least those that last a very long time.  These sutures stay in place and your body will usually have no problem with them.  The sutures on the skin, however, should be removed within seven days in order to prevent the formation of visible scars.  Your surgeon may be using a rapidly dissolving suture, which does not necessarily have to be removed.

At any rate, your surgeon has described the procedure as it is correctly performed.  You should not worry about the sutures!

What you are describing is how the Otoplasty operation is done.  The surgeon will use non absorbable sutures on the cartilage.  the cartilage had memory and wants to bend out.  Use of absorbable sutures would not hold the cartilage long enough.  We use non absorbable sutures often in surgery, (e.g.; abdominal wall closure, etc:).  They do not have to be removed.

The absorbable sutures on the skin are often used to alleviate discomfort of taking them out.  This is also appropriate and we do this often on plastic surgery, (e.g. taking nylon sutures out of the hand of a three year old is not fun for anyone.)

Best to get a few consults with a board certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist, (ENT).  Together you will come up with an appropriate plan.

During the otoplasty procedure it is common to use permanent sutures to hold the ear cartilage into its new anatomical position.  The antihelical fold is being recreated to hold the ear back and this is done with permanent sutures.  The sutures used to close the skin incision are usually dissolvable stitches. 

Your surgeon has described the use of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures correctly. Permanent (non-absorbable) sutures are commonly used to do the internal work in otoplasty surgery. The final layer closure of skin may be done with either type of suture.