Earlobe repair is a minor surgical procedure that corrects years of damage from heavy or overstretched earrings as well as from age, trauma or weight loss.
It addresses deformities such as split earlobes, often the result of piercings being pulled from the ear; as well as stretched earlobes, typically caused by wearing heavy earrings over a prolonged period of time.
Stretched and torn earlobes will not heal on their own, and this is where surgery becomes essential. The procedure fixes enlarged piercing holes with relative ease and enhances the natural symmetry of the ear, and often succeeds in restoring the earlobes to their original size and shape pre-damage.
What Are the Benefits?
One of the major benefits of earlobe repair surgery is its minimal downtime. Patients can expect an effortless recovery process. This simple, straightforward procedure takes only 20-30 minutes per earlobe, which means individuals are up and mobile again in no time at all.
Another significant advantage of the surgery is its ability to restore an ear to its natural shape. No more than 4 months after the procedure, the earlobe should appear normal again with next to no signs of surgery or previous damage.
Not only does this help the patient to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin, but it also gives patients the opportunity to re-pierce their ears in the near future.
Who Are Ideal Candidates?
Surgery is a great solution for those who feel self-conscious by the appearance of their earlobes. It is suitable for both men and women whose ears have been damaged most commonly associated with wearing heavy earrings, but also through trauma as well as age.
It’s also appropriate for those with congenital issues such as excessively large or small earlobes. As well as addressing damage, surgery also helps correct the appearance of asymmetrical earlobes.
The ultimate goal of the surgery is to make the ears more aesthetically pleasing and to contribute an enhanced sense of balance within the face.
Different Type of Earlobe Surgery Procedures
There are several different types of ear surgery techniques that can be used each designed to restore the function and natural symmetry of your ears, and tailored to address specific issues or achieve particular results.
The process involves the removal of excess skin as well as stretched or damaged earlobe tissue. Both skin and tissue are then delicately reshaped and stitched back together. All of the procedures are straightforward, performed under local anesthesia and require minimal downtime.
1.split or Torn Earlobes
A split earlobe procedure involves rejoining the separated sections and suturing them together. A set of stitches will hold the earlobe together while it heals, and are removed anywhere from a week to 10 days hence.
2. Asymmetrical Earlobes
Asymmetrical earlobes can occur naturally or as a result of injury or a previous surgery. During the procedure, a skilled surgeon will carefully measure and mark the earlobes to ensure the best possible symmetry. Following this, excess tissue may be removed or reshaped to achieve the desired appearance.
3. Earlobe Reduction
During a reduction, your surgeon removes unwanted tissue and reshapes the earlobe to achieve a more proportionate size. The results are a pair of balanced earlobes, contributing towards a better facial harmony.
4. Stretched Piercing Holes
Enlarged piercing holes can impact the look of the earlobe, often causing a drooping appearance, and may even prevent the wearing of earrings. The procedure reduces the enlargement caused by the piercing through removing the superfluous tissue, reshaping the earlobe and closing the wound with sutures.
5. Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are a common consequence of ear piercings. They form when the body overproduces collagen during the healing process. These can occur anywhere on the body, but they’re particularly common on the earlobes due to frequent piercing.
Keloids are difficult to remove due to their notorious tendency to grow back. As a result, your surgeon may use a combination of several treatments to ensure their removal, including removing the keloid using a scalpel, laser removal, or cryotherapy: applying extreme cold to the keloid.
6. “Pixie Ear” Correction
“Pixie ear” is a term used to describe a condition where the earlobe is pulled down and forward, so that the earlobe merges with the skin of the face.
This can occur as part of the aging process or can be the result of previous surgery, such as a face-lift. It’s particularly disruptive to facial proportion and often cited as a source of insecurity and self-consciousness for many people.
Your surgeon will remove excessive skin from the earlobe and cheek area, separating the earlobe from where it merges with the face. Following this, the earlobe is reshaped and sutured according to the desired outcome, and then left to heal naturally over a short period of time.
What To Expect During Your Consultation?
A thorough consultation with one of our expert surgeons is an integral step of the process; it is invaluable to achieving consistent and targeted results. During this consultation, your surgeon will review your health history, discuss your aesthetic goals and explain the various options for earlobe repair.
It’s a vital time for determining and tailoring the best plan for your individual needs. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask any questions and express any concerns about the procedure.
Preparing for Surgery
Before undergoing surgery, it’s important to prepare adequately. This includes discussing your expectations with your surgeon, understanding the surgical procedure, and knowing what to expect during recovery.
In addition, you should inform your surgeon about any existing medical conditions or medications, as this could affect the outcome of the surgery.
Additionally, it’s important to stop smoking and avoid certain medications before the procedure. These can impact healing and increase the risk of complications. Another critical aspect of preparation is arranging for someone to drive you home post-surgery and to help you during the initial stages of recovery.
What To Expect During Recovery
One of the key objectives of surgery is to achieve natural-looking results that restore facial balance. Just like a brow lift enhances the symmetry of the face, well-executed earlobe repair can bring harmony to your facial features. The process requires a surgeon with a keen eye for detail and an understanding of facial aesthetics.
Immediate results can be observed following the procedure. However, the final outcome can take up to six months to be realized fully as the swelling settles and the operated area heals completely. Recovery from earlobe surgery is generally swift.
Most patients in Miami are able to return to work or school a few days after the procedure, and stitches are generally removed after only a week.
It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s advice on post-operative care to aid recovery and achieve the best results. Avoid strenuous activities for at least a month and any activities that involve bending your ear. Swelling will be noticeable at first and will decrease over the next six months.
If you are planning to have your ears pierced again, you should wait for at least eight weeks and avoid heavy or bulky earrings.
How Much Does an Earlobe Repair Surgery Cost in Miami?
The cost of earlobe repair surgery in Miami varies between $500 -$ 3,000.
It’s important to consider that this is a highly specialized procedure and choosing a cheaper option may compromise the quality of results and safety.
Risks and Precautions
Earlobe surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries its own set of potential risks and side effects. These include the possibility of scarring, asymmetry, and the development of a hematoma. These risks are rare however. Renowned clinics like ours take comprehensive precautions to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcome for patients.
What Is the Healing Process Like?
The healing process can include some discomfort, bruising, and swelling, as the ears are sensitive. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and workouts for at least a week post-procedure to promote optimal healing.
Applying ointment to the surgery sites and keeping the sutures clean is a crucial part of the healing process. Two weeks after the procedure, the sutures are typically removed.
The healing time for a standard pierced ear repair is around six weeks, while repairs for stretched earlobes can take between eight to twelve weeks. If a keloid forms over the healing site, professional treatment may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Should Avoid This Type of Surgery?
Earlobe repair is a widely accessible procedure with very few contraindications. If an individual is self-conscious about the size, shape, or general appearance of their earlobes, or if they have suffered an injury or have a birth defect, they are likely an excellent candidate.
However, it’s always advisable to have a detailed consultation with one of our surgeons who will assess the patient’s specific needs and circumstances before proceeding with the surgery.
How Long Does an Surgery Take?
Surgery to correct earlobes is a relatively quick outpatient procedure. The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the individual case and complexity of the repair needed. On average, the procedure takes around 40 minutes.
In some cases, the surgery might even be completed in as little as 20 to 25 minutes. However, it’s important to remember that every patient is unique and the exact duration of the procedure varies according to each individual’s needs.
Can I Pierce My Ears Again After Surgery?
Once the sutures are removed and the area has healed completely, it’s typically possible to re-pierce the earlobe. Of course, it’s essential to discuss this with your surgeon. They will advise you according to your personal circumstances potential risks.
When you do choose to wear earrings again, it’s advised to avoid heavy earrings as the weight of earrings can potentially cause damage a little further down the line.
References
[1] Sadasivan K, Kochunarayanan A. A Revised Classification and Treatment Algorithm for Acquired Split Earlobe, With a Description of the Composite Technique and its Outcome. Cureus. 2020 Sep 13;12(9):e10422. doi: 10.7759/cureus.10422. PMID: 33062537; PMCID: PMC7553717.
[2] Scott BL, Anderson Y, Loyo M, Kim MM. Repair of Gauged Earlobes: Case Series and Review of Two Techniques According to Size. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2021 Jul-Sep;14(3):351-356. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_116_20. PMID: 34908779; PMCID: PMC8611704.