Earlobe Repair
Repair and reshape earlobes that have been stretched or torn due to heavy earrings, spacers, gauges, or trauma with Ear Lobe Surgery.
As we age, it is normal for the skin quality, resilience, and elasticity of our earlobes to change, just as the rest of our skin does. This aging and stretching to the earlobe can be advanced in patients who wear heavy earrings throughout their lives and choose to wear ear gauges or spacers. In some cases, damage may even be as a result of injury to the ear, such as a child yanking on a mother’s earring repeatedly. Regardless of the cause, our Vadnais Heights, Eagan & Woodbury facial plastics clinics offer several different methods of earlobe repair and reshaping to restore the appearance of the ears to a more youthful state.
Earlobe Surgery
Earlobe surgery is a straightforward procedure that can help to repair stretched or torn earlobes. Only local anesthesia is needed. The procedure is commonly performed in under an hour. During your earlobe surgery, the skin lining the tear is removed to create a raw edge that is stitched closed in multiple layers. This reroutes new blood flow and allows your surgeon to reshape a more tight and aesthetically pleasing lobe shape.
Common Reasons for Earlobe Damage
Patients seek earlobe repair for several reasons:
- Torn or Split Earlobes: Often caused by the accidental pulling of earrings.
- Stretching: Resulting from heavy earrings or prolonged use of gauges.
- Changes in Shape: Occurring over time due to aging.
- Keloid or Scar Formation: Developing after an injury or piercing.
These issues can impact both the appearance and comfort of your earlobes. Earlobe repair surgery not only restores function but also helps patients feel more at ease when wearing earrings again.
Restore and Support
To restore lost volume and provide even more support for earring use in the future, your surgeon may discuss injecting dermal fillers such as Juvederm® or Voluma® into the earlobe to provide structure and support. During a consultation, you can learn more about other procedures we offer.
Indications
- Stretched earlobes due to heavy earrings
- Stretched earlobes due to spacers or ear gauges
- Torn earlobes from injury or tugging
- Genetic droopy earlobes
Benefits
- Tightened, more youthful earlobes
- A natural esthetic to the earlobe
- Repair of tears
- Restored confidence
Who Is a Good Candidate for Earlobe Repair?
You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you have experienced earlobe damage from trauma, aging, or stretching. Ideal candidates include individuals in good health, non-smokers, and free of active infections. The surgery is an excellent option for repairing torn earlobes or reducing stretched lobes. Additionally, if you’ve developed scars or other irregularities from piercings, earlobe repair in Woodbury, MN, may be the right choice.
What Happens During an Earlobe Repair Procedure
Earlobe repair surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll stay comfortable without general sedation. Your surgeon will carefully reshape and repair the damaged tissue using small incisions. The goal is to restore the natural contour of the earlobe with minimal scarring. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per ear.
What to Expect After Earlobe Repair
After your earlobe reconstruction, there is generally minimal downtime. Any discomfort that patients experience can usually be relieved with over-the-counter medication. The earlobe must be washed regularly and kept clean for some time, and you may need to apply antibiotic ointment. Surface sutures are usually removed within one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the procedure painful?
Earlobe Repair surgery is performed under local anesthesia so you won't feel pain. Some mild discomfort or swelling can occur in the days following surgery, but it's generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Will I be able to wear earrings after surgery?
Yes, but you'll need to wait until the earlobe fully recovers, usually 6 to 8 weeks. Your surgeon will let you know when it's safe to re-pierce your ears. Choosing lightweight earrings at first can help prevent future damage.
How long does it take to heal?
Most patients experience minimal downtime and can return to daily activities within 24 hours. Full healing takes four to six weeks, and scars will continue to fade.
Are there risks involved with earlobe repair?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, such as infection or scarring. However, these risks are rare, especially when performed by experienced surgeons. Our team takes every precaution to provide the safest care possible.
Can I combine earlobe repair with other treatments?
Yes! Some patients combine earlobe repair with other procedures we offer, such as facelifts or injectables. Explore the different procedures we offer to see how we can help meet your needs.
How Much Does an Earlobe Repair Cost?
The cost of earlobe repair surgery can vary depending on the case’s complexity and whether one or both ears need treatment. At Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer competitive pricing and financing options. For specific details, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Schedule Your Earlobe Repair Consultation in Minnesota
Ready to restore your earlobes in Vadnais Heights, Eagan & Woodbury? Our skilled facial plastic surgery team at Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery is here to help. Schedule a consultation to explore your options and learn more about what earlobe repair in Woodbury, MN, can do for you.
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Before + After Results
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