Ear lobes are the bottom portion of the outer ear. They can be either attached or detached (whether yours are attached or detached is up to genetics). They are relatively delicate and can be torn (most often by earring use), in which case plastic surgery can help restore them with aesthetics in mind.
What Can Cause the Need for Earlobe Repair?
Any damage to the earlobes can mean repair may be necessary. Wearing heavy earrings, for example, can cause elongation of the hole in the ear. This can also happen due to accidents where earrings get caught on something or are pulled. Some people who have gauges in their ears choose to remove them but are then left with large holes they may want to repair. Earlobe repair surgery can help with all of these situations.
How Does Earlobe Surgery Work?
In most cases, earlobe repair surgery can be done in an outpatient setting and only requires local anesthesia. Your doctor will clean and sanitize the area to be repaired. They will then stitch the torn parts of the earlobe together (using either permanent sutures or dissolvable ones, depending on the situation). You may be prescribed ointment to use on the area as it heals. Keep the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours after surgery. You may need to return to your doctor for a post-op checkup and/or suture removal.
Does Earlobe Repair Surgery Cause Scarring?
Earlobe surgery often does cause some light scarring. Seeing a plastic surgeon for this procedure can help, since a plastic surgeon makes repairs with aesthetics and the final result in mind.
Can I Get Earrings after Earlobe Repair Surgery?
In most cases, you should be able to get your ears pierced (or repierced) about three months after surgery (this wait is to ensure the area has time to fully heal). Also, the new piercing should not be in the same site as the old piercing. In some cases, your surgeon can leave a small area open for earrings while performing the repair. If you would like to wear earrings after your repair surgery, speak with your doctor to find out if this is an option for you.
If you are looking to get a torn or outstretched earlobe repaired, give our office a call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Edmund Fisher. He is both a board-certified plastic surgeon and an ENT specialist.
