What is Earlobe Repair?
Many men and women wear earrings every day without a second thought as statements of fashion and self-expression. Over time, however, regular wearing of earrings can damage, stretch, and tear your earlobes. Ear gauges leave large holes that are unsightly if you ever take them out.
Thankfully, earlobe repair surgery is an easy, minimally invasive procedure that can fix stretched or torn earlobes and restore a natural appearance. You can even re-pierce your ears afterward. At Farrell Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leo Farrell has decades of experience helping his patients look and feel their best. With a procedure that lasts less than an hour, he can help you too.
Why Get Earlobe Repair?
There are numerous reasons why someone would be a candidate for this procedure, including:
- Trauma: If something happened that ripped your earrings out, your earlobes may be damaged and torn.
- Stretching: Years of consistently wearing heavy earrings can stretch your earlobes to the point where they’re deformed.
- Gauges: Gauges progressively stretch your earlobes wider and wider. Although they are a fashion statement for many people, some jobs do not allow you to leave them in. When gauges are taken out, the earlobe is left with a large, unsightly hole that may not heal on its own.
What is the Earlobe Repair Procedure?
Earlobe repair is a simple, easy surgery performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. After you’re anesthetized, Dr. Farrell will gently trim away the skin lining the hole or tear, then put the edges back together with sutures. Depending on the type of stitches, you may or may not have to get them removed.
The surgery should take between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the type and amount of damages Dr. Farrell has to repair. You’ll be able to go home and resume your usual activities immediately after the procedure.
What is the Earlobe Repair Recovery Process?
Like the surgery itself, recovery from an earlobe repair procedure is relatively simple. Dr. Farrell will recommend an antibiotic ointment to help keep the wound clean and disinfected. If your sutures need to be removed, they’ll be ready about a week after surgery.
Your earlobes may have a bumpy texture along with slight bruising and redness for a few days after the procedure. However, any pain or discomfort should be so minimal that you won’t even need over-the-counter pain medications.
After about six weeks, you’ll be able to pierce your ears again.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Farrell is one of central Pennsylvania’s premier plastic surgeons. In his decades of experience, he has helped thousands of patients solve cosmetic problems and gain self-confidence.
Dr. Farrell serves Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. Call (717) 732-9000 today to schedule a consultation.
