Procedure
Depending on a patient’s circumstances, torn earlobe repair can be performed immediately following an injury or delayed until the wound is healed and the tissue is no longer inflamed. The specific method of repair will depend on how much tissue was lost and the nature of the injury. A variety of different techniques can be performed to close the wound, redistribute tissue, and reshape the ear to match the natural ear shape. Small flaps are sometimes used to redesign the earlobe. Absorbable sutures can also be used. Fox Valley Plastic Surgery employs specialized suturing techniques to minimize scar formation. Torn ear lobe surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in the office using a local anesthetic.
The process for closing normal ear piercings is the same as the one used for repairing “stretched out” holes. Under local anesthesia, skin is removed from around the hole, and the hole is stitched closed. Correction is made by removing the tunnel, and adding a single stitch front and back if the defect is very small. Any re-piercing of the earlobe needs to be in a slightly different location to avoid the denseness of the scar tissue.
Recovery
After the anesthetic wears off, there may be mild pain for a day or two. Acetaminophen is effective for any mild discomfort. In most cases, the only dressing needed is a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. Patients can return to work immediately following the procedure. Patients will need to keep the sutured area clean to reduce the potential for infection. The stitches are usually removed in a week. If dissolvable sutures are placed, no suture removal is necessary.
Patients can safely pierce their ears again 2 to 6 months after repair. If bothersome keloid scars form within the new piercings, they can be treated by injection or surgical excision.
To learn more about earlobe repair, contact Fox Valley Plastic Surgery today at 920-233-1540 to schedule a consultation.
Potential Risks
When earlobe surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any procedure, there are risks associated with torn earlobe repair, including the risk of infection. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.
