Earlobe repair surgery is a minimally invasive surgery to improve the appearance of earlobes that are torn or split from earrings or gages, elongated, stretched or otherwise misshapen due to age, genetics, piercings or other factors. Earlobes are a subtle feature, but one that can draw attention and show signs of aging or injury. Even small earlobe imperfections can feel like a big problem. Earlobe repair surgery is simple in office procedure that can restore the normal contour of earlobes with minimal pain and minimal downtime. For those that wear earrings, this is a way to rejuvenate your earlobes so that you can get back to wearing the earrings you love. Many patients regain the confidence to wear their hair back and don their favorite earrings once healed from the procedure.
You'll likely benefit from an earlobe repair surgery if you have:
Prior to your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Aimé at a consultation appointment to examine your ears, take photographs for your chart and discuss the best treatment options for you. If you would like to proceed with the earlobe repair procedure, you will choose a date that works well with your schedule for your in-office procedure and then simply arrive on the day of your scheduled procedure. There is very little preparation for this minor procedure.
Earlobe surgery is typically performed with local anesthesia in the office. Although the exact surgical technique will vary based on your unique earlobe(s), generally, the torn edges of the earlobe are removed and any excess earlobe (i.e. if it is large or long) is cut away. The edges of the earlobe are then meticulously sewn back together using both dissolvable sutures and those that will be removed approximately one week later. On of many benefits of being awake is that you will be able to see your results in real time and give feedback. Once the incision is closed a small piece of medical tape or ointment is placed. Typically the procedure takes 1 hour for one earlobe repair or about 1.5 hours for both earlobes to be repaired. After the procedure, you can drive yourself home.
There is minimal recovery or down time after this procedure. Once the local anesthesia wears off (usually after several hours), you may feels some mild pain, tenderness or throbbing. Typically, this pain is well controlled with over the counter Tylenol and ibuprofen. There may also be some mild brusing and swelling. No special dressings are required, although Dr. Aimé may recommend that you apply an ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor to the incision twice per day if there is no surgical tape in place. You can return to work or school right after the procedure if you would like. You will be able to shower the next day and resume light exercise within a week of the procedure. Allow the incisions to fully heal before submerging them under water (i.e. bathtub, pool, hot tub). You'll return to the office for removal of any non-absorbable sutures approximately one week after the procedure. Dr. Aimé will then re-pierce your ears (if you would like) approximately 6 weeks after your procedure. If you elect to re-pierce your ears, be sure to bring bring light stud earrings in a metal that your skin tolerates well to your appointment.
The following are reputable organizations that provide information specifically for plastic surgery patients on this and other procedures.
American Society of Plastic Surgery
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-earlobe-repair
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