Earlobe repair surgery is an effective procedure which reconstructs earlobes which have been torn completely or incompletely or have been stretched by tribal plug or tunnel earrings.
Our specialist Plastic Surgeon can:
- Repair split earlobes
- Reconstruct overstretched lobes
- Close tunnel earlobes and create a natural look
- Enable you to wear earrings again
- Help to restore confidence in your appearance
Why would Earlobe Repair Surgery benefit me?
Earlobes can tear or split for several reasons including years of wearing heavy earrings, accidental damage or tribal plug or tunnel earrings. Tribal piercings have grown in popularity in recent years and can unfortunately leave overstretched earlobes which can become unsightly and a disadvantage for some individuals in their career or personal lives. Abnormally shaped earlobes can be difficult to hide, particularly if a short hair style is worn. If you feel that look of your earlobes are impacting your confidence, image or career our consultant plastic surgeon can help.
Rhinoplasty before / after pictures
Earlobe Repair Consultation
An initial consultation will give you the opportunity to talk to your Consultant Plastic Surgeon about why you want surgery and what result you would like to achieve. Our surgeon will examine your ears and skin carefully and may take some photographs. A full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability for surgery and your options will be discussed.
Earlobe Repair Procedure
Earlobe repair surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and takes approximately 20 – 30 minutes per earlobe.
The exact technique used to repair your earlobe is determined by the extent to which the earlobe is damaged and the desired result. A small tear or stretch may only require to be carefully stitched. When there is a lot of stretching or a complete tear some skin may need to be removed or repositioned prior to reshaping and repairing the earlobe.
Earlobe Repair Recovery and Aftercare
As earlobe repair takes place under local anaesthetic you will be able to go home straight after surgery.
It is important to keep your dressings dry until a nurse removes them and checks your wounds 1 week after surgery.
Some swelling is expected and will settle.
It is possible to return to work and daily activities as soon as you are well healed.
You will be advised when it will be possible to have your ears pierced again if your choose to do so. It is usually a minimum of 3 months after surgery.
Risks Associated with Earlobe Repair
Like all types of surgery, there are some risks associated with earlobe repair surgery.
Although the risks are unlikely, it is very important to weigh these up against the benefits of the surgery. A consultation with your surgeon will help you to choose the right procedure and discuss any possible complications.
Earlobe surgery before / after pictures
Earlobe reduction. This patient had a facelift 3 months earlier. She wanted no hanging earlobe at all. Photos show before and at 6 weeks.
Tunnel earlobes. Both lobes had been stretched to fit 25mm tunnels. They shrank differently when the tunnels were removed and were different sizes. Different surgical techniques were needed on each side.
Split earlobes. This patient’s left earlobe had a complete split from years of earring use. It was repaired under local anaesthetic using a Z-plasty for a natural contour.
Split earlobes. An unusual double split earlobe. This lady’s first piercing split. She continued to use her seconds which then also split. Repair was difficult but gave a natural result and allowed her to get re-pierced and wear earrings again.
Tunnel earlobes with a split on the right. A challenging case to get natural earlobes with better symmetry. Results are shown at the end of the surgery. The patient joined the Armed Forces and did not return for follow up.