Cosmetic Earlobe Repair
Your ears are one of the most visible parts of your body and can often require cosmetic repair. Often it is because the earlobes have been pulled down after years of wearing heavy earrings. Some people simply wish to have old holes closed, which may have been torn or misplaced when piercing, and new holes pierced in a different location. While others may want to change the shape of their earlobes.
Indications For Earlobe Repair
• Split earlobe
• Elongated or stretched
Earlobe Earlobe repair can be performed under local anesthesia. The procedure is quick, safe, virtually painless, and does not require any downtime.
Procedure
The procedure is completed in an hour and done under local anesthesia. First local anesthesia is administered with a very fine needle to numb the ear.
For a torn earlobe, the procedure consists of “freshening” the edges of the split by removing a small amount of skin. Sutures are then placed to close the split, creating a normal-looking earlobe.
To change the shape of the earlobe, unwanted tissue is removed and the area is sutured.
Post-Operative Care
Patients can go home immediately after the procedure with very small dressing which can be removed next day. A topical antibiotic cream is prescribed to apply over the sutures. . Sutures are removed 10 days after the repair procedure. Healing generally takes 4 to 6 weeks. Earlobes can be re-pierced after 2 to 4 weeks by ear piercing gun.
Side Effects
As a minimally invasive procedure risks are small but may include swelling, bruising, and discomfort which last for 2 to 3 days.
Ear Lobe Repair FAQ
What is ‘earlobe repair?
Earlobe repair is a procedure that corrects elongated or torn earlobes, usually caused by heavy earrings.
How is an earlobe repair performed?
A small amount of local anesthetic placed into the lobe, and high precision instruments are used to carefully excise the skin around the discrepancy. Then a few very tiny sutures are placed to bring skin edges together, and these stay in about a week.
Can I have my ear re-pierced after this procedure?
Yes, in most cases you can. This is done about 2 to 4 weeks after the sutures are removed.
How long does the procedure take?
It is a day care procedure and the whole procedure is completed within 45 min -1 hour.
You can resume your normal activity immediately after the procedure.
What Causes Torn Earlobes?
Torn earlobes can happen as the result of continuous wearing of heavy earrings or can be a result of unfortunate accidents or robberies. More often earlobes get torn as a result of having little children pulling the earring while they play with adults with large earrings. Also a large group of patients develops elongated or torn earlobes due to prolonged wearing of heavy earrings and it may take years to develop. Large or heavy items will gradually elongate the hole and eventually will tear through the lobe.
Am I a Candidate for Torn Earlobes Repair?
You may be a candidate for a torn earlobe repair if you have a fully or partially torn earlobe. You overall health status is usually not a limiting factor since this procedure is performed under local anesthesia without any potential risks of sedation or general anesthesia.
Q: What Should I Anticipate After the Procedure?
Patients usually tolerate this procedure without significant discomfort. After surgery most patients do not need any pain medication. A couple of doses pain killers may be beneficial for those who feel slight ache at the repair site. The discomfort usually disappears within twenty four hours. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment is placed over the repair area. You may wash your hair.