Earlobe Repair
A Guide to Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair is common and done for a number of reasons. Earlobes can be torn, which is not only unattractive but also potentially dangerous, especially for risk of infection. As an example, if you wear heavy or large hoop earrings, they can take a very small pierced hole and cause it to stretch, sometimes to the point of having a large hole. Earrings can also be pulled on or caught on clothing, which would cause tearing. In both incidences, earlobe repair would be required.
If the tear were minor to moderate, earlobe repair would involve the edges being cleaned up and sutured. This procedure would be done under a local anesthetic and by a qualified plastic surgeon. The good news is that this type of surgery is uncomplicated and as long as orders from the surgeon are followed during the healing period, the ear would look completely new.
Keep in mind that in the case of earlobes being torn, perhaps from earrings being pulled on, the surgeon may wait for the wound to heal before earlobe repair is done. Of course, the actually earlobe repair done would depend on the injury or deformity involved. Regardless, the skin lining the hole would be removed so the raw edge could be rebuilt. In the case of tissue being gone, such as with a dog bite, then earlobe repair may turn to more involved reconstructive surgery.
Another condition that would benefit from earlobe repair is a large keloid, which is a large, unsightly scar. A keloid is thick scar tissue that can become itchy, red, clustered so people want to have it removed. Earlobe repair for this would involve steroidal medication being injected into the keloid to reduce or eliminate itching, burning, and redness. However, if improvement were not seen, the scar may need to be surgically removed. In some cases, additional steroidal injections and/or radiation may be suggested to stop the keloid from returning.
After surgery is complete for earlobe repair, the surgeon would usually take the stitches out in seven to ten days. From there, antibiotic cream would be applied and the ear dressed with sterile gauze. During the final healing period, you would expect to see slight discharge but of course, if the discharge were to become serious, or if color changed to a dark yellow or green color, it included blood, or you notice a foul odor, contact your doctor immediately.
Once earlobe repair is done and the ears have had six months minimum to heal, you could again start wearing earrings but remember to avoid this problem from developing in the future, stick with lightweight earrings made from quality gold or surgical steel. The good news is that a great surgeon can provide earlobe repair with perfect results. Risk of infection is minor but again, only if doctor’s orders are followed closely.
Now, if you wear earrings, obviously the original hole has now been surgically closed. Therefore, to enjoy earrings, you would need to have your ears pierced again. In this case, it is vital that the new hole be above or slightly off to the side of the original hole to avoid additional tearing. Instead of living with a huge hole, you can talk to your doctor about earlobe repair to determine your options.