Your earlobes can get torn or damaged for numerous reasons, including heavy earrings, gauges, or local trauma. This damage may be unsightly and prevent you from wearing earrings. Fortunately, earlobe repair is an effective way to correct these problems and can be done in the office under local anesthesia.
What is an earlobe repair?
Earlobe repair is a simple surgical procedure that fixes damaged, torn, or elongated earlobes. Dr. Hicks uses various techniques to repair the hole and adjust the overall length of the earlobe. Once you have healed, there will not be a hole or tear in your earlobe, and you will be able to get your ears pierced again if you wish.
Possible reasons for elongated or split earlobes:
- Sudden trauma and accidents
- Multiple piercings close together
- Long-term use of heavy earrings
- Gauges of increasing size and weight
- Earrings that get snagged on clothing or pulled by children
How is earlobe repair performed?
Dr. Hicks performs your earlobe repair in the clinic procedure room under local anesthesia.. After ensuring that your earlobe is numb, she makes incisions to excise and repair the torn, damaged portion of your earlobe, then uses tiny sutures to close the repair. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes per ear, depending on your anatomy and the technique used for repair.
Your earlobe repair consultation with Dr. Hicks
During your earlobe repair consultation, Dr. Hicks carefully examines your earlobes, determines the degree of elongation or damage, and puts together a personalized treatment plan.
To ensure that you are well-prepared for the procedure, she and her staff will walk you through every step of the surgical process and postoperative care.
What can I expect after earlobe repair?
You may have some tenderness, blood-tinged drainage, bruising, or swelling, but these symptoms should be very minimal. You may resume most of your daily activities and work immediately after an earlobe repair. However, you should avoid strenuous workouts and heavy lifting for about 5 days after your procedure. You will need to be cautious when getting dressed or brushing/styling your hair – take care not to pull on your earlobe or the sutures when doing these activities.
When can I get new piercings?
After an earlobe repair, you should wait at least 2 to 3 months before re-piercing your ears. When you get your ears pierced, the new piercing should not be in the exact same place as your previous hole or your incisions. If you prefer, Dr. Hicks can re-pierce your ears to ensure good placement of the new piercing. You may wear clip-on earrings starting about 2 weeks after the procedure, but make sure they are lightweight and do not place excessive pressure on your ears.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hicks
Dr. Kate Hicks is a board-certified, double fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon specializing in cutting-edge surgical techniques. She is completely transparent about your treatment options and ensures that you understand what to expect from the procedure. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Hicks to explore your earlobe repair options in Greenville, South Carolina.
