When your ears are pierced, there is always a risk of the holes becoming stretched, elongated or even torn. This can occur as the result of wearing heavy earrings, having a child pull on an earring or even frequent telephone use. The earlobes can also begin to stretch and sag with age. In addition to stretching or tearing that occurs accidentally or after years of earring wear, earlobes are commonly stretched intentionally for gauged jewelry. Whether intentional or accidental, if you are unhappy with stretching or tearing of your earlobes, it is possible to have them repaired surgically.
Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair surgery can be formed to correct a number of aesthetic issues of the earlobes. Whether the problem is a torn lobe, elongated holes from heavy earrings, droopiness caused by age or even large holes behind after removing gauged earrings, surgery can be performed to restore the earlobe’s natural appearance.
Thank you, Dr. Schlechter, for all you’ve done! – A very happy woman
How Is Earlobe Repair Performed?
The exact technique for earlobe repair varies depending upon the nature of the problem being corrected. When piercing holes have becoming elongated or an earring has ripped through the ear, the damage is usually corrected using a few small sutures. To repair large holes from gauged piercings, the process is a little more in depth. Reconstruction in these cases often requires an earlobe lift and removal of excess tissue caused by stretching. Surgery to repair the earlobes is conducted on an outpatient basis with the use of local anesthesia.
Am I a Candidate for Earlobe Repair?
Many people who are unhappy with the appearance of their earlobes are candidates for earlobe repair. Whether you are looking to have a small tear corrected or have the evidence of large gauged piercings erased, it is possible to have the damaged repaired with reconstructive surgery. Good candidates should be in overall good health and free from disorders that could cause bleeding problems or delayed healing.
Earlobe Repair Recovery
Recovery from earlobe repair is typically uneventful. Pain, swelling or bruising are rare. Mild pain and swelling can be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. While healing, you will need to avoid holding the phone to your ear and sleeping on your side. Your doctor will let you know if you need to take any other precautions. Healing usually takes about 6 weeks before the ear can be re-pierced.
