Earlobes are fragile, especially those that are pierced. Something as simple as an earring snagged on a sweater or a child yanking an earring can instantly rip your earlobe. Even without those scarring events, earlobe piercings may enlarge over time if a person has frequently used heavy earrings and will eventually require repair. For these natural occurrences, a plastic surgeon is required for torn lobe repair. After the surgery, earrings will fit better and look better as they will be positioned better on the ear.
People who have experienced a rip, stretch, or general damage to the earlobes are ideal candidates for a repair surgery. The procedure is relatively simple; the tissue may be removed or reallocated and the wounds healed with sutures that may be removed after seven to ten days. Through local anesthesia, patients feel minimal discomfort for the duration of this minor surgery. For most patients, the surgery takes only an hour or less and they typically return home the same day with minimal recovery time.
After surgery, most patients experience very little discomfort and are able to re-pierce their ears after only three months. Patients will need to wash the earlobe often to keep it clean and avoid any potential infections as it heals.
The procedure can be done directly after an injury to the earlobe or after waiting for a wound to heal. Regardless of the circumstances, a ripped, torn, or stretched lobe will be able to be fixed without any problems. It is important to seek out a board-certified reconstructive surgeon who will be able to address this issue and successfully repair a torn earlobe that requires repair. Dr. Schwarcz is one such surgeon who sees patients on a consistent basis in New York to treat these issues.
