Earlobe damage can occur following trauma or the prolonged use of large-gauge earrings. Trauma to the earlobe usually takes place when a child or animal forcibly removes an earring, which causes the earring to pull through the skin. When large-gauge earrings are worn over long periods of time, skin and cartilage are slowly stretched and deformed, leaving the ear permanently misshapen, even when the earring is removed.
Earlobe repair is an in-office procedure that helps to restore the normal shape and contour of a damaged earlobe. Stretched skin and cartilage are removed, and the remaining skin and cartilage are repaired with small sutures.
Benefits of Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair can:
- Restore a normal contour and natural appearance to the earlobe.
- Restore the ability to wear earrings.
Candidates for Earlobe Repair
Candidates for earlobe repair:
- Do not have a history of serious health problems.
- Do not have a history of excessive scarring or keloid formation.
The Earlobe Repair Procedure
Earlobe repair begins with the injection of local anesthetic to help numb the surrounding area. Next, an incision is made. For earlobes that have been traumatically damaged, the damaged area is removed. For earlobes that have been damaged by large gauge earrings, stretched skin and cartilage is removed.
The earlobe is then repaired with very small sutures. These sutures often need to be removed in several days. We ask that patients allow their earlobes to heal for at least three months prior to re-piercing their ears and wearing earrings again.
Results and Recovery After Earlobe Repair
Following repair, you may experience swelling and bruising. You may also experience itching around incisions as you heal. Most patients are able to return to work the following day. You will be provided with a prescription for an antibiotic ointment to apply to the incision(s), and we request that you keep the area clean to prevent infection.
Post-surgery recommendations following earlobe repair include:
- Apply an ice pack to the surgical areas during the first day after surgery to control swelling.
- Protect your skin from the sun, which will help prevent scarring.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or lifting weights over eight pounds for one week after surgery.
At Visage Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, Dr. Berbos or Dr. Moore will thoroughly examine your unique facial anatomy to create a customized surgical plan. They will discuss your specific concerns, desired results and the surgical techniques that can best help you meet your aesthetic goals. Above all else, Dr. Berbos and Dr. Moore aspire to restore youthful facial contours and create natural-looking results for their patients.
Schedule an Earlobe Repair Consultation
If you would like to learn more about how our surgeons at Visage Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery can help repair your earlobes, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to meeting with you and discussing your unique aesthetic goals.
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