EAR LOBE REPAIR
Overtime, wearing earrings may cause undesirable changes in the appearance of our ears. The piercing site and the earlobe itself may elongate. The earlobes may tear or split from even the slightest pull on the earrings, leaving a conspicuous and unsightly appearance. In certain skin types, the earlobes may form keloids (benign but thickened scars), which may be disfiguring and prevent the use of earrings.
With earlobe repair, undesirable changes in the earlobe may be corrected to improve appearance, remove keloids, or allow continued use of earrings.
Results and Benefits:
Benefits:
Who Is Candidate?
Earlobe Repair procedure is recommended for people with split earlobe caused by:
- Trauma, such as accidental tears due to earrings being tugged or pulled inadvertently
- Traction deformities caused by repeated use of heavy earrings
- Widened ear piercings due to ear gauging, or the intentional enlargement of ear piercings using flesh or ear tunnels. This practice can lead to the lengthening of the ear piercing and splitting of the earlobe.
Technique We Use:
Split earlobe repair is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia. If the patient is a child, the procedure may have to be performed under general anaesthesia. The surgery usually takes less than an hour to complete. After standard prepping, the earlobe is draped. A small area of normal tissue around the split earlobe is then excised, freshening up the edges of the wound. Both ends are then re-approximated and both the anterior and posterior sides of the earlobe are sutured back together. Bigger defects may require the creation of flaps. A wound dressing is then applied.
The patient is usually allowed to go home immediately after the procedure. It is important to avoid excessive pressure on the ear at this time. The patient will be instructed on proper wound care techniques, which may involve the application of an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection or the use of silicone sheets to prevent the formation of hypertrophic scar or keloid. The patient may also be given oral pain medications to address post-operative pain. Sutures are removed on the follow-up visit, typically after five to seven days. The use of earrings is avoided for approximately 2-3 months to allow the wound to heal properly. It is recommended that small earrings, usual studs, be used initially to prevent the recurrence of the problem.