Earlobe Repair

What is Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure intended to restore the original appearance of their earlobes after injury or cosmetically stretching the earlobe piercings to wear “gauges.” Earlobe repair surgery has become more and more highly requested in recent years. A successful earlobe repair or ear surgery can restore a natural and healthy-looking ear. It’s a relatively quick and easy procedure, performed in-office by Dr. Paquet. It comes with minimal downtime and the procedure typically lasts for one hour.

Am I a Candidate for Earlobe Repair?

Patients who have elongated, torn, or stretched earlobes are good candidates for earlobe repair in a majority of cases. This includes earlobes that are stretched or split from wearing heavy earrings over time, pulling or snagging earrings or other jewelry resulting in damage, sudden trauma or injury, the natural aging process, and more. Prior to your earlobe repair, you’ll have an earlobe repair consultation. Dr. Paquet will review your health history, including any medications you take, conditions you may have, or allergies, to ensure that the surgery is a safe option for you. He will also examine the earlobes to develop a successful surgical plan and help you understand the results that are possible and realistic. 

Benefits of Earlobe Repair

The biggest benefit of earlobe repair or earlobe reshaping is its ability to restore torn earlobes. It can create a natural, whole earlobe after earlobe trauma from earrings or injury, while also addressing scar tissue and damaged tissue that can result in an unsightly appearance. Once the earlobes are restored with surgery and fully healed, they can even be re-pierced. For many patients, the biggest benefit is the relief and boost in confidence that comes with having whole earlobes again. If you’ve been struggling with the appearance of your earlobes after injury or having your ears pierced, earlobe repair surgery can mean you don’t need to hide them anymore.

Types of Earlobe Repair

Different types of earlobe repair surgery exist. While earlobe repair is common with patients who have pierced their ears, it can also be performed for aesthetic reasons, such as having large or protruding earlobes. Dr. Paquet will discuss the appropriate option during your consultation.

Piercing Tract Repair

When patients wear heavy earrings for significant amounts of time, it can pull the piercing tract downward and elongate it. For some patients, it may become common to lose earrings. In rare cases, the piercing tract can tear completely, causing a split earlobe. This type of earlobe repair is performed by resecting the tract and carefully stitching the two sides back together to minimize scarring.

Earlobe Reduction

It’s natural to experience elongation of the earlobes as you age. You may also simply have large earlobes that unbalance your facial appearance. Earlobe reduction is performed by removing a wedge of tissue within the natural contours of the earlobe and then suturing the sides back together. Earlobe reduction can sometimes be combined with otoplasty to reduce the overall size of the ear along with the earlobe.

Earlobe Reconstruction

Earlobe reconstruction is common with patients with stretched earlobes because of spacers or gauges. These cases can be complex, especially if you have large spacers or severe stretching. Dr. Paquet will determine the best surgical approach during your consultation.

Before Your Earlobe Repair Procedure

Preparation for earlobe repair surgery is minimal. Dr. Paquet will recommend stopping blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and smoking. You’ll review your medical history and medications list to ensure a safe and effective procedure. You’ll meet with our surgical team to schedule your date and review forms and bloodwork. Our team will be highly available for any questions you might have ahead of your surgery date.

The Earlobe Repair Procedure 

Earlobe repair is a relatively simple in-office procedure which is performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Paquet will make small incisions in order to remove excess skin and tissue as needed. The remaining tissue is then reshaped to create the desired appearance. When the earlobes are appropriately shaped, incisions are closed in layers, creating minimal scarring and relieving tension from the outer part of the incision and tissue. 

After Your Earlobe Repair Procedure

Earlobe repair patients often require minimal downtime if any, frequently returning to their normal routines the day after their procedure. Some side effects are common, such as redness, swelling, and discomfort. Dr. Paquet will give you instructions to care for the area as it heals. In some cases, stitches may need to be removed at a later date; in others, absorbable sutures are used. Keeping the head elevated can help to relieve swelling as needed. 

Patients who are interested in re-piercing the ears are typically advised to wait at least three months after their earlobe surgery before doing so. This allows the earlobe adequate time to heal. When the ears are re-pierced, it is best to place the new piercings at least 3mm away from the original piercing site. 

Ready to take the first step?

Contact us today if you are ready to take the first step or have any questions! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Paquet by contacting us online or by calling us directly at 602-780-0195.