I am looking to have a setback otoplasty to reshape my helical rim and reduce the projection of my ear. My consultant had recommended dissolvable stitches during the procedure. My only concern is I do believe there is a higher change of relapse or the ears projecting out in future. Why would surgeon prefer to use dissolvable stitches? Are prominent stitches preferred vs the two? How are infections or any side effects post surgery from using permanent stitches avoided?
Answer: We have used permanent nylon sutures for otoplasty for over 25 years. I do believe that utilizing temporary, long acting sutures could lead to a less than favorable Otoplasty result. The negative of permanent sutures is that they may get infected or they may extrude. Utilizing nylon sutures over 25 years, we have not seen a single infection. Sometimes, as much as 3 to 5% of patients the knot of a suture can pop through the skin behind the ear. In our experience, this has been of minimal inconvenience to our patience since removing the offensive stitch in the office does not cause a reversal of the result. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph.
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Answer: We have used permanent nylon sutures for otoplasty for over 25 years. I do believe that utilizing temporary, long acting sutures could lead to a less than favorable Otoplasty result. The negative of permanent sutures is that they may get infected or they may extrude. Utilizing nylon sutures over 25 years, we have not seen a single infection. Sometimes, as much as 3 to 5% of patients the knot of a suture can pop through the skin behind the ear. In our experience, this has been of minimal inconvenience to our patience since removing the offensive stitch in the office does not cause a reversal of the result. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph.
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February 20, 2024
Answer: Sutures Assuming no contraindication or patient refusal, I prefer to use Mersilene (non-dissolvable) sutures during otoplasty surgery to minimize the chance of recurrence of the ear. Other techniques such as cartilage scoring, incision, and excision can also be used to minimize the chance of recurrence. No one technique is perfect. Discuss the proposed technique and rationale for this with your surgeon. If you don't feel comfortable, don't move forward. Make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page and have the same goals and plans in mind for the best possible experience.
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February 20, 2024
Answer: Sutures Assuming no contraindication or patient refusal, I prefer to use Mersilene (non-dissolvable) sutures during otoplasty surgery to minimize the chance of recurrence of the ear. Other techniques such as cartilage scoring, incision, and excision can also be used to minimize the chance of recurrence. No one technique is perfect. Discuss the proposed technique and rationale for this with your surgeon. If you don't feel comfortable, don't move forward. Make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page and have the same goals and plans in mind for the best possible experience.
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February 11, 2024
Answer: Permanent sutures have very little downside. A permanent suture used in an otoplasty will forever hold the cartilage in its new position and shape. While there is the possibility that a knot may be exposed and need to be removed in the future, this rarely alters the shape of the ear. Infection is exceptionally rare after an otoplasty as the ear has such an excellent blood supply. Temporary/dissolving sutures, may allow the elastic cartilage to spring back and may result in a revision otoplasty being performed in the future. Best wishes.
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February 11, 2024
Answer: Permanent sutures have very little downside. A permanent suture used in an otoplasty will forever hold the cartilage in its new position and shape. While there is the possibility that a knot may be exposed and need to be removed in the future, this rarely alters the shape of the ear. Infection is exceptionally rare after an otoplasty as the ear has such an excellent blood supply. Temporary/dissolving sutures, may allow the elastic cartilage to spring back and may result in a revision otoplasty being performed in the future. Best wishes.
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February 5, 2024
Answer: Otoplasty When performing an otoplasty, there are two major components: the anti-helix, which is the fold and the fold has to be bent further. I usually use permanent suture for this. The other component is conchal cartilage. This I usually resect and use absorbable sutures. I also use absorbable sutures on the closure. The advantage of the absorbable sutures is they will not be around to cause infection long term. The disadvantage is they lose their holding power.
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February 5, 2024
Answer: Otoplasty When performing an otoplasty, there are two major components: the anti-helix, which is the fold and the fold has to be bent further. I usually use permanent suture for this. The other component is conchal cartilage. This I usually resect and use absorbable sutures. I also use absorbable sutures on the closure. The advantage of the absorbable sutures is they will not be around to cause infection long term. The disadvantage is they lose their holding power.
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February 5, 2024
Answer: Otoplasty Suture Material Hello, hope you are well. These are good questions, and things that are discussed among surgeons. You will find lots of variation in the suture materials that are used for otoplasty. I tend to use non-absorbable for Mustarde sutures (anti-helical fold shaping), and absorbable for Furnas sutures (conchal setback). Ask your surgeon their reasoning if you have these questions. Presumably their experience and knowledge informs their judgement. The advantage of absorbable sutures is that issues with extrusion can be avoided. Infections are avoided in any case by using sterile anti-septic technique and prophylactic antibiotics at the discretion of your surgeon.
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February 5, 2024
Answer: Otoplasty Suture Material Hello, hope you are well. These are good questions, and things that are discussed among surgeons. You will find lots of variation in the suture materials that are used for otoplasty. I tend to use non-absorbable for Mustarde sutures (anti-helical fold shaping), and absorbable for Furnas sutures (conchal setback). Ask your surgeon their reasoning if you have these questions. Presumably their experience and knowledge informs their judgement. The advantage of absorbable sutures is that issues with extrusion can be avoided. Infections are avoided in any case by using sterile anti-septic technique and prophylactic antibiotics at the discretion of your surgeon.
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