Ear Lobe Repair Q & A

What is an Ear Lobe Repair?

Ear lobe repair can correct torn, ripped, drooping and stretched-out earlobes. This is not to be confused with ear surgery (otoplasty), which is typically performed to correct large, protruding or deformed ears. Earlobe surgery is often sought by people whose ear lobes have been damaged by earrings or who wish to reverse ear lobe stretching due to body piercing.

Why does an ear lobe tear? 

The ear lobe is composed of skin and fat, which is why it is more prone to tears than the thick, heavy cartilage found elsewhere on your ear. There are several scenarios that may result in a torn earlobe. For example, these tears may result from heavy earrings that pull on the lobe, stretching the original ear pierce tract. They can also occur if a child tugs on your earring or if your earring gets caught on clothing or another inanimate object. Some ear lobe tears may heal with time, but they often leave visible scars that make it difficult to re-pierce the ears or wear earrings. Sometimes earlobe tears occur because your ears were pierced too low to begin with. In these cases, even a small tear can split your lobe down the middle. Other ear lobe problems include droopy or stretched-out earlobes, which also occur from the pull of heavy earrings. Many people stretch their earlobes intentionally through the insertion of progressively larger piercings known as gauges, a form of body modification known as “gauging.” Regardless of the cause of the tearing or stretching, ear lobe repair can help correct your earlobe appearance and allow you to wear earrings again.

What happens during Ear Lobe Repair surgery?

Earlobe surgery takes about a half hour and is done by board certified dermatologist, Dr. Neil Sandhu, at Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics during an in-office visit. Local anesthesia will be injected to the surgical site to ensure you are comfortable and pain free during the procedure.  In the case of droopy or stretched ear lobes, Dr. Sandhu will excise the skin lining the tear, which reduces the size of your earlobe. If the lobe is fully split as a result of trauma, he will connect the two sides of the lobe via sutures. This involves removing the damaged ear piercing tract and suturing together the outer and inner layers of skin as well as the fatty tissue in between. Earlobe tears that don’t reach the bottom of the lobe may also be repaired.  

There may be some minimal discomfort after your procedure, which can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication. Post-surgical dressings will be applied after ear lobe surgery. Dr. Sandhu will instruct you on how to care for your dressing at home while your earlobe heals. Stitches are removed after the swelling has subsided, usually within one week.

If you have other questions about earlobe surgery, schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Neil Sandhu at Aspire Dermatology & Aesthetics. who has extensive experience with ear lobe repair. He or she will examine the tear and determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this surgery. Call the office or book a consultation online today.