It’s estimated that 80-90% of women in the US have earlobe piercings, as do a large number of men. Sometimes, these piercings can lead to tears, or when stretched, can lead to large holes in the earlobe.
In the event of a tear or perhaps a change of aesthetic goals, people might wish to repair their earlobes. This is possible with earlobe surgery.
Here, Dr. Jose Barrera of San Antonio, Texas, discusses earlobe surgery. Patients can get the best insight into how the procedure fits their needs with either an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Barrera.
What Is Earlobe Repair Surgery?
Earlobe repair surgery, also known as earlobe reconstruction or earlobe rejuvenation, is a cosmetic procedure that is commonly performed to repair a split or stretched earlobe.
The earlobe is a soft, fleshy area located at the bottom of the ear, and it is the most common location for body piercing. However, wearing heavy earrings, trauma, or gauging can cause the earlobe to tear or stretch, resulting in a split or elongated appearance.
Earlobe surgery reattaches stretched or torn earlobes back to the main part of the ear, thus closing any holes or eliminating and dangling pieces of skin.
Earlobe repair surgery is generally a safe and effective procedure with minimal risk of complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, scarring, or poor cosmetic outcome. To minimize these risks, patients must choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Barrera, and to follow their post-operative instructions carefully.
How Is Earlobe Surgery Done?
Earlobe surgery starts with Dr. Barrera administering a local anesthesia, so your earlobe will be numb but you’ll be awake. He then marks the area of your earlobe that needs to be removed and uses a scalpel to make a clean, straight cut through the earlobe. The damaged tissue is removed, and the remaining healthy tissue is repositioned and sutured together.
Dr. Barrera will use a variety of techniques to ensure that the new earlobe has a natural and symmetrical appearance. In some cases, he might use an “inverted V” technique, where they make a V-shaped cut in the earlobe and then bring the two sides of the V together to form a new earlobe. Alternatively, he may decide that a straight-line closure or a Z-plasty technique is better, which involves making angled cuts in the earlobe to create a zigzag pattern that helps to hide the scar.
After your surgery is complete, Dr. Barrera will cover the earlobe with a sterile dressing to protect it from infection and promote healing. He’ll then give instructions on how to care for their earlobe during recovery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Earlobe Repair Surgery?
Good candidates for earlobe repair surgery are any individuals who have torn or gauged earlobes and desire to restore their ears’ appearance to how they were before.
Importantly, candidates must also have realistic expectations for the procedure, as depending on the degree of damage, some amount of scarring is to be expected.
What Can I Expect During Earlobe Surgery Recovery?
After earlobe surgery, patients can expect a short recovery time. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day.
It’s also common to experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling after earlobe surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help manage these symptoms, and patients may also use ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
You’ll also have a dressing over the wound, which protects it from infection, covers stitches, and helps the healing process. Keep this dressing clean and dry. The dressing is usually removed after a few days, and the stitches will either be dissolvable or will be removed after seven to ten days.
Earlobe Repair Surgery in San Antonio, TX
Earlobe repair surgery provides patients with a straightforward opportunity to fix their stretched or torn ears. They are highly effective and satisfactory and produce highly desirable results. For a non-committal consultation, contact Dr. Jose Barrera via his online form or by calling (210) 468-5426.
Earlobe Repair in San Antonio, TX FAQs
Earlobe repair surgery cost generally starts at $500 dollars, but this depends on the extent of the work required, as well as the location.
Earlobe repair surgery is done using local anesthesia, so during the procedure patients won’t feel anything other than some slight pressure and movement around their ear.
Surgical intervention is the only option to fixing a torn earlobe. Fortunately, cosmetic procedures, such as earlobe repair surgery, are highly effective at reconnecting and fixing any torn earlobe.
- Nasal Drip Pad:
Your drip pad will be necessary for the first 48 hours and possibly a few days after that. If you experience heavy bleeding out of your nose after your surgery, please call our hospital immediately. Take a 4×4 sponge and fold it corner to corner and tape it to your face with non- latex tape available from a pharmacy.
Depending on the size of the earlobe hole, and also how long it has been open, it will likely remain permanent unless closed using a surgical procedure, such as earlobe repair surgery.
- If medical clearance is required, please obtain clearance from our medical provider.
- An EKG or stress test maybe necessary if over the age of 50 years.
Bring your medication list to the appointment for review.
- Consider your goals for the surgery and Dr. Barrera will review these with you.
If a functional component is necessary to correct a deviated septum or address sinus or nasal airway concerns, please bring your insurance card and schedule a separate insurance visit.
Dr. Barrera performs both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Therefore, two different visits may need to be scheduled to fully address all your concerns as well as authorize your insurance company for medically necessary procedures. Schedule your consult here.
Earlobe surgery is a permanent solution to a torn or stretched earlobe. Once the earlobe is reconnected during earlobe surgery, the results are permanent—unless, of course, there is another incident where the earlobe is stretched or torn again.
Specially trained and experienced dermatologists can fix torn earlobes. However, many patients find the results they get from working with reconstructive plastic surgeons to be far superior, as the training, experience and qualifications are better suited to such a procedure.
If the earlobe isn’t stretched too far, it is possible for it to grow back together. However, earlobes stretched or gauged too far, or torn, will not grow back together on their own.
It’s strongly recommended that patients avoid sleeping on the operated ear for seven to ten days post-surgery. This is to ensure optimal healing. Thus, patients can choose to lie on their backs or sleep with the opposite ear to the pillow. It’s also a good idea to cover the ear during sleeping to fully protect it.