Once an earlobe has been pierced, it is repeatedly exposed to trauma and can easily be partially or completely torn. The size, style and weight of an earring can contribute to “stretching” the opening. Earrings that are easily caught on clothing or grasped by a child may also put the earlobe at greater risk.
Whether the opening for an earring is enlarged excessively or has been completely torn through, it is possible to repair the earlobe. There are several methods by which I accomplish this. Each is designed to repair the defect in a manner that will allow as normal an appearing earlobe as possible.
Because simply suturing the two halves together may leave a notch or dimple at the lower edge of the earlobe the repair usually involve techniques that allow the two halves to be joined together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. This helps to maintain a normal contour to the lower portion of the earlobe and a smooth, flat surface on the front. These techniques also lend more strength to the repair.
I usually do the repair under a local anesthesia in the clinic which takes about 45 minutes. The stitches are removed in 7-10 days. The ear lobe is re-pierced in 4- 6 weeks in a slightly different position to avoid repeated trauma in the same area.
A word of caution about piercing the ear through the cartilage above the earlobe. It has become a fashion statement to pierce the ears through the cartilage framework of the ear, often in several different areas. This can be a dangerous practice because there is an increased risk of infection to the cartilage framework. Infection of cartilage can be difficult to treat resulting in permanent loss of cartilage and a deformed ear. Should this happen, there are reconstructive procedures to improve the deformity, but it is unlikely that the ear will ever be good as new.
Earlobes that are too large or stretched can also be improved by an earlobe reduction procedure. Through a relatively simple procedure I can reduce the size of the earlobe by excising the excess skin and creating a smaller, natural appearing earlobe.
This procedure is usually done to both sides in order to maintain a symmetrical appearance. It may also be necessary to reposition the pierced ear holes at this time depending on their location.
The cost varies depending on the extent of the problem and the procedure necessary to achieve the most cosmetic repair. Call us at 916-571-0597 to learn what method of repair is best for your particular situation.