Patients who have stretched or torn earlobes are often unaware that treatment is available to return their earlobes to a normal appearance. Earlobe repair can be done right here in our Miami cosmetic surgery office under local anesthetic.
Common Earlobe Problems
Because earlobes are made only of skin and fat, they lack the bone and cartilage needed to maintain their size and shape. They are easily stretched by repeatedly wearing heavy earrings and even lighter earrings that are inserted too close to the bottom of the earlobes.
With the popularity of “ear gauging,” the process of enlarging a hole in the lobes by wearing what are called gauges, rather large holes in the lobes are becoming more common. Although this practice originated in tribal cultures, it has become popular here in the Miami area, as well. Unfortunately, these large holes will never shrink or close and must be surgically repaired via reconstruction.
Another earlobe challenge is a tear in the lobes, often caused by forceful pulling of the earrings from the earlobes, resulting in a jagged injury. This can only be remedied with surgery.
Earlobe Repair Consultation
As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, your private consultation at our Miami cosmetic surgery practice is your opportunity to ask all the questions you may have about earlobe repair and to get answers to all of your concerns. Your cosmetic surgeon will review your medical history, ask about any medications that you take (including supplements, since some of them can contribute to excess bleeding), and provide a complete fee schedule for your convenience. Your surgeon will also share information about financing if you want to budget your earlobe repair procedure.
Are You a Candidate for Earlobe Repair?
Candidates for any cosmetic surgery procedure should be healthy and have realistic expectations about their results. If you have a history of developing keloids (thick, raised scars), you may not be a good candidate for earlobe repair.
Contact us today to schedule your earlobe repair consultation appointment at our Miami cosmetic surgery practice.
The Earlobe Repair Procedure
Most earlobe repair procedures take between 20 and 60 minutes and are performed in our Miami cosmetic surgery office as an outpatient under local anesthesia. Most patients tell us that the procedure itself was painless other than the injection of local anesthetic. Once the area is thoroughly cleansed, incisions are made to trim away stretched tissue or cut the skin around a tear in the earlobe(s). Tiny sutures are then inserted.
Recovery from Earlobe Repair Surgery
The local anesthesia usually lasts about two hours, after which it is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling, both of which are addressed with over-the-counter pain medicine, such as Tylenol, and ice packs. As with any surgical procedure, you should stop smoking at least two weeks prior to and after your procedure, as tobacco inhibits healing.
You will be scheduled for a post-op appointment to be sure that everything is going as planned. Of course, if you have any concerns, we encourage you to call our Miami cosmetic surgery office at 786.713.1588.
Results of an Earlobe Repair Procedure
Results of an earlobe repair procedure are evident immediately after postop swelling has gone down, and the lobe should be fully healed around 1-2 months post op.
Can You Wear Earrings Again?
Yes, you can get your ears pierced and wear earrings again. The earlobe may be re-pierced once the area has fully healed. However, we advise that you not re-pierce in the same location of the old tear as this increases the likelihood of a re-tear. Instead, you should have your ear pierced in a slightly different location.
To learn more about repairing your earlobes in Miami, please call A Solution For Beauty by Pierini at 786.713.1588 or complete this online form to schedule your FREE consultation today.