Earlobe Repair Surgery
Trauma to the earlobe occurs more frequently than many people realize. The most common culprit is jewelry, such as heavy earrings or gauges, which stretch holes into the ears. Occasionally, people suffer rips and tears in the earlobes caused by improper removal of jewelry or other injuries to the ear. Earlobe repair surgery is designed to restore the aesthetic appearance of misshapen earlobes.
What Does Earlobe Repair Surgery Entail?
While a fairly straightforward procedure, earlobe repair does require an artistic eye in order to sculpt a natural-appearing earlobe. Small incisions placed around the ear are used to remove excess lobe tissue. The remaining tissue is crafted together to form a smooth, realistic appearance. The tissue is stitched together and covered with bandages.
It is common to experience bruising and swelling around the ears following earlobe repair. You should keep your head elevated for one week following your procedure to prevent excess swelling. Avoid sleeping on your ears. Most major swelling begins to subside after two weeks, and your final results should become apparent after six.
There may be some initial scarring where the earlobe tissue has been sutured together. However, this will likely fade over time, leaving a smooth earlobe appearance.
The cost of your earlobe repair will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Shah. The extent of correction needed will determine the exact price of your procedure.
Earlobe repair is virtually painless because there aren’t any muscles or major nerves in the earlobe and local anesthesia is used during the procedure. For patients who may require it, a mild oral sedative may be used during the procedure to help the patient relax and feel comfortable. There is minimal postoperative pain, which is controlled using oral medication.
Achieved With Earlobe Repair Surgery by Dr. Shah
Reduce Ear Gauge Dilation
Earlobe gauges are common body piercings that stretch the earlobe. The extent of distortion can run only a few centimeters all the way up to a few inches. When people decide that they no longer want their ears gauged, whether for personal aesthetic reasons or professional reasons, it is almost impossible to restore the appearance of the earlobes without surgical intervention.
Tighten Loose, Sagging Earlobes
Heavy or low-hanging earrings add stress to the earlobes. Over time, the weight of the jewelry causes the earlobes to sag, distorting their appearance. The hole for the piercing may become elongated, or the skin that comprises the earlobe can become long and droopy. Excess skin may be removed during earlobe repair to tighten loose or sagging earlobes.
Correct Severe Trauma to the Earlobe
Trauma to the ears can cause rips or tears in the earlobe. This is most often the result of earrings being pulled from their holes. However, other trauma to the earlobes can affect their appearance. Earlobe repair surgery is designed to restore a smooth appearance to the earlobe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Earlobe Repair
You must wait several weeks after your procedure until your ears have completely healed before re-piercing them. Dr. Shah prefers to perform re-piercings himself to ensure proper earring placement.
Properly cleaning your incisions to prevent infection is the best way to ensure proper healing. You should also avoid exposing your earlobes to direct sunlight to prevent the darkening of the pigment of your scars.
