Comprehensive Guide to Earlobe Repair: Procedures, Healing, and Care
Earlobe repair involves treating torn or stretched earlobes. These could occur from trauma, wearing heavy earrings, or large gauge piercings. Your dermatologic surgeon at Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetic Center of Columbia, Maryland, Dr. Ife Rodney, uses a local anesthetic to numb the area, remove the damaged skin, and reconstruct the earlobe tissue so it has a more natural appearance. While you can have the earlobe pierced again, it is recommended to pierce an area that is not scarred after surgery and to avoid heavy or oversized earrings in the future.
How are torn earlobes repaired?
Depending on the degree of damage to your earlobe, multiple treatment options exist.
For mildly stretched earlobes, the simplest option is to inject a small amount of filler, such as Restylane or Belotero, directly below the piercing. This works to counteract the ‘drooping’ effect and gives temporary improvement. This can last from 6-12 months on average.
For more severe stretching, a quick and easy surgical procedure is recommended. Surgical repair involves the application of a local anesthetic, excision of the damaged tissue, and repair of the treatment area with sutures. This doesn’t mean the end of earrings for you. After it has healed, you can re-pierce your ear and start fresh.
Finally, surgical repair is the only recommended course for fully split or torn earlobes.
But don’t fret – it’s hardly any more invasive than the treatment for stretching. Using a local anesthetic, we remove the damaged tissue inside the tear and carefully suture both sides to restore your earlobe’s normal look fully.
How can a ripped earlobe be repaired?
Ripped earlobes can be repaired in a minor surgery that takes less than an hour. The skin areas between the split are removed, and the earlobe tissue is sutured. The stitches are taken out a week later.
Does insurance cover earlobe repair?
Earlobe repair is considered a cosmetic procedure, so health insurance generally does not cover it.Â
Earlobe repair is currently priced at $900 per location that needs repair.
How long does earlobe repair take to heal?
The stitches are removed about a week after the procedure, and the area should be fully healed in around eight weeks.
Will a split earlobe repair itself?
Unfortunately, split earlobes cannot repair themselves. After the earlobe tears, scar tissue forms. This scar tissue is removed in the earlobe repair procedure.
How long should I wait before re-piercing my ears?
For fully split or torn earlobes, at least three months of recovery is recommended before re-piercing.
How do I learn more about earlobe reconstruction surgery in Columbia, Maryland?
If you are located in the area of Columbia, MD, and want to speak to Dr. Ife Rodney about earlobe reconstruction and other surgical interventions, Book your appointment online or call (301) 479-6544 to request an appointment at our office, conveniently located at 11711 E Market Pl Suite 100 serving those in and around the Fulton, MD community and beyond!
Because First Impressions Are Eternal
Dr. Ife Rodney is double board-certified, highly rated, and takes a patient-centered and customized approach to care. She is a top acne expert and cosmetic dermatologist in Columbia and Howard County, MD. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Rodney can help you look and feel your best.
