Earlobe Repair Can Make a Big Difference

One of the most popular procedures in the United States today is earlobe repair. People have often waited years before seeking help for earlobe repair surgery. The problem is that the soft tissue has shrunk after removing heavy earrings or gauges, but a significant hole remains.

Causes

Split earlobes or elongated earlobe holes have several causes:

• People wear heavy earrings over an extended period of time
• Earlobe gauges with increased size, time period, and weight
• Dangling earrings can get pulled or caught, such as when they catch on clothing or sweaters
• Pulling on earrings by children
• Numerous ear piercings too close together or too close to the bottom of the lobe
• Sudden trauma; a torn earlobe

Evaluation

Dr. Vanek will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. Health issues that can affect the healing of wounds (history of smoking, diabetes) or extended bleeding (medicines, some herbal preparations) are discussed.

Dr. Vanek will discuss your goals and then examine the hole or earlobe split to determine the condition and size of the hole itself. Examination of the surrounding tissue and anatomy of the ear will also be done.

Split earlobe repair will need closure, but some will require a complex tissue rotation. Most of the time, both earlobes can be done at the same visit.

Repair Procedure

Earlobe repair is an outpatient office procedure under local anesthesia, and most patients can drive home by themselves. 

After the earlobe is cleaned and a local anesthetic is applied, the excess skin is removed. Depending on your anatomy, your tissue may be rotated. The wound is then closed in layers so that the outer part of the incision does not have too much tension. Usually, a fine scar remains after healing.

Recovery after Earlobe Repair Surgery 

The recovery process after ear lobe repair surgery is generally quick and painless. 

You may experience some swelling and bruising for a few days, but these side effects should subside within a week. 

Most people can return to work and their normal activities within a few days after the procedure. 

Following the post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Vanek will ensure proper healing, minimize the risk of infection, and help with successful recovery. 

This may include:

• Keeping the ear lobe clean and dry
• Keeping your phone away from your ear
• Avoiding substances that could cause irritation
• Taking any prescribed medications as directed
• Avoid heavy earrings
• No heavy lifting or strenuous activities that could strain the ear lobe for at least a week after the procedure

Re-piercing

Usually, Dr. Vanek asks patients to wait at least three months before re-piercing their ears. He also asks that any new piercings be at least three millimeters from the old piercing site.

Results

After the earlobe is healed, many patients say they should have “done this years ago.” This type of outpatient office procedure makes a big difference in a patient’s daily life. 

For more information, please see Dr. Vanek, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to discuss your case. Dr. Vanek will be able to answer your questions and perform the repair.