Earlobe Repair
What are the reasons for earlobe repair?
- Torn earlobes: The lobe can tear when the earlobe is pierced and the earring is accidentally yanked or catches on something, like an article of clothing.
- Elongated earlobes: As we age, our earlobes elongate, and wearing heavy earrings (pierced or not) can stretch the earlobes and the earring hole.
- Gauged earrings: This trend involves placing a plug in the earlobe that is replaced with larger and larger gauges to stretch the lobes to the desired size. When the trend has passed, the stretched lobes must be repaired.
The type and location of the tear will determine the type of surgery needed. Typically, repair involves trimming the tear to remove scar tissue and torn skin and stitching the wound together.
Surgery may involve using a punch tool that creates a hole that is a bit larger than the gauge or the earring hole to create a wound that is then sutured together to reduce the opening size or eliminate the hole.
This procedure treats sagging and stretched earlobes and rejuvenates aging the earlobes. This surgery involves reshaping and resizing the earlobe by cutting a wedge out of the lobe at the crease between the lobe and the cheek. The reduced earlobe is then sewn back for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The earlobe is injected with anesthesia to numb the area resulting in minimal to no downtime. After surgery, you drive yourself home. Home care instructions will be provided. Discomfort can be treated with over the counter (OTC) pain medication. Keeping the wound clean and following the instructions will ensure optimal healing. You may go about your normal activities, however, do not swim in the ocean, lake, river, or public pool until your dermatologists says it is safe to do so. You can shower and shampoo normally. Stitches are removed about a week after surgery.
If your surgery involved removal of the ear piercing, after you fully heal, in about six months, you can have your ear(s) re-pierced.
Schedule a dermatology appointment.
Bliss Dermatology has two dermatology offices in Venice and Englewood, Florida. If you’re considering earlobe repair surgery, schedule a cosmetic dermatology consultation today. You’re in expert hands with the providers of Bliss Dermatology!
At a Glance
Michelle Pennie, MD
- Board-Certified Dermatologist
- Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon
- Founder and Lead Dermatologist of Bliss Dermatology
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