Earlobe Repair

Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure designed to fix damaged, stretched, or torn earlobes. Many people seek earlobe repair for reasons including trauma, earlobe injuries from heavy earrings, or complications from piercings. The goal of this surgery is to restore the natural appearance of the earlobe and enhance earlobe aesthetics.

As gauged ears have become a common beauty trend, many patients have experienced trauma to their enlarged ears. Additionally, large ear gauges can potentially lead to tissue necrosis and structural breakdown of the lower earlobe. Fortunately, earlobe repair has undergone many significant advancements that make it an easy and effective treatment. ⁽¹⁾

If you require earlobe repair after trauma or due to complications from gauged ears, then please explore your options through a consultation with Dr. Amber Allen. Allen Aesthetic Surgery is one of North Carolina’s leading plastic and reconstructive surgery practices, and we can help you achieve your goals with ease. Schedule your consultation today by completing our online inquiry form. If you have any further questions, please call our Raleigh office at (919) 676-5052.

About Earlobe Repair

Earlobe repair is a specialized type of cosmetic ear surgery that addresses issues related to earlobe trauma and lacerations. Unlike other parts of the ear, the earlobes lack cartilage and consist mainly of skin and fatty tissue. They are composed mainly of skin and fatty tissue, making them prone to injury or damage. Common causes of earlobe damage include accidents, ripping due to heavy earrings, and earlobe piercing complications. ⁽¹⁾

Repairing the earlobe can significantly impact one’s confidence and overall facial symmetry. Individuals who feel self-conscious about their earlobes or have experienced an earlobe injury may find that repair offers both aesthetic improvements and emotional relief. Earlobe repair surgeries have recently been gaining popularity due to increasing rates of earlobe injuries, often associated with fashion trends that involve stretching the earlobes and/or large earrings. ⁽¹⁾

Benefits

There are many benefits associated with earlobe repair, including improved self-esteem and simple treatment. When patients receive personalized care at Allen Aesthetic Surgery, they experience improvements through:

Candidates

Earlobe repair procedures are available for anyone requiring the reconstruction of their earlobes. Torn or stretched earlobes from accidents or heavy earrings, complications following an earlobe piercing, and scars from previous earlobe surgery can all be addressed in this treatment. Individuals seeking to improve the appearance of their ears for aesthetic reasons are also eligible candidates. Candidates need to maintain realistic expectations. During your consultation, Dr. Allen will help determine if you are a suitable candidate for earlobe repair surgery.

Personal Consultation

Your journey toward repaired earlobes begins with a personal consultation at Allen Aesthetic Surgery. Dr. Amber Allen will review your medical history, discuss your goals regarding the earlobe’s appearance, and examine the condition of your earlobes. This evaluation allows Dr. Allen to recommend the appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Consultations are $100, but this fee is credited back to you once you proceed with your earlobe repair within 90 days. During this meeting, each patient receives individualized attention, ensuring the best possible care and results.

If you are considering earlobe repair, contact our Raleigh, North Carolina, practice to schedule your consultation today by calling (919) 676-5052 or by contacting us online.

Preparation

Preparation for earlobe repair surgery is straightforward. You will receive detailed instructions to ensure an optimal experience. We recommend that patients avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements unless directed otherwise. If you use nicotine products regularly, you will be required to abstain before and after your treatment. Finally, please take time off work as necessary to allow for adequate healing and arrange transportation home from your procedure. Being well-prepared will lead to a smoother surgical experience.

Procedure

Your procedure may be performed immediately following the point of injury, or it can wait until the initial inflammation has passed and the damaged portions of the earlobe have healed. Multiple variations of the procedure can be performed depending on the desired result and the kind of damage experienced. ⁽²⁾ This procedure is safe and is typically done in the office, with the patient going home the same day. Patients receive local anesthesia on their ears to maximize their comfort. For more serious procedures, general anesthesia or sedation may be used, but this is rare. The specifics of your procedure will depend on the state your earlobes are in. However, after anesthesia is administered, these procedures begin by marking the planned incisions and corrections. Once this is done, Dr. Allen removes sagging and stretched skin as necessary. This is done through a few different methods, but cauterization instruments and scalpels are the most common tools used. ⁽²⁾ Once damaged tissue is carefully excised, Dr. Allen will reshape the earlobe and suture it in a new position and improved shape. After all incisions are closed, the ear is dressed with antibiotic ointment or other beneficial healing compounds. The entire process generally takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the scope of work.

Recovery

Recovery from torn earlobe repair can vary. The initial healing period will take approximately a week, though a complete recovery may take longer depending on the extent of the damage. The patient should speak to Dr. Allen to determine when and if it would be appropriate to return to wearing their ear gauges and before attempting to reinsert or increase the size of ear gauges again. However, most patients find that their torn earlobe deters them from gauging their ears again.

Most patients do not require prescription pain medication, though over-the-counter medication use will be advised if needed. In most cases, the only dressing applied is a film of ointment that has antibiotic properties. A week later, the patient will return to have the stitches removed. Before you leave the office, Dr. Allen will discuss how to care for your ear following the procedure. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days; however, avoiding strenuous exercise and activities that might stress the earlobes is advisable for approximately two weeks.

Results

Post-operative results will reveal your newly restored earlobes, enhancing your overall facial balance. As swelling subsides, you will be able to appreciate the natural contours of your ears. Although slight redness may initially persist at the incision site, this typically fades over time, with final results typically showing minimal to no visible scarring.

The earlobe repair procedure is generally well tolerated. Proper care and treatment of the area post-procedure will ensure that everything goes smoothly and you heal properly. Once the area has healed completely, you can resume wearing your favorite jewelry, though additional gauging should be pursued with care and the advice of Dr. Allen.

Corresponding Procedures

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is another procedure that addresses the ears. Otoplasty is primarily a cosmetic procedure that improves the aesthetic appearance of the ears, offering patients better symmetry and unobtrusive ears. Dr. Allen can adjust cartilage and tissue during otoplasty, often adding sutures to make them more parallel to the head. Common indications for otoplasty are large, protruding ears that project outward from the head. Many patients are born with this feature, which may cause embarrassment or dissatisfaction with their appearance.

For more information about the other procedures offered, we encourage you to read Dr. Allen’s blog.

Cost of Earlobe Repair in Raleigh

The cost of earlobe repair varies based on the complexity of the procedure and the specific techniques utilized. Generally, earlobe repair surgery is affordable, especially considering the potential boost in self-confidence and aesthetics it provides. An accurate estimate will be provided during your personal consultation after factoring in the specifics of your procedure.

Schedule your consultation today to begin planning your earlobe repair process. If you have any further questions, please call our Raleigh office at (919) 676-5052 and get the information you need.

FAQ

References

1. Scott BL, Anderson Y, Loyo M, Kim MP. Repair of Gauged Earlobes: Case Series and Review of Two Techniques According to Size. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;14(3):351-356. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_116_20
2. Watson D. Torn Earlobe Repair. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2002;35(1):187-205. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0030-6665(03)00102-6