If your earlobes have been damaged, stretched, torn, or are unusual in shape, earlobe repair can surgically correct the problem. Whether you are unhappy with enlarged piercings, formerly wore gauged earrings and want to repair larger holes, or your earlobe was torn or ripped, these aesthetic problems can be fully resolved with the help of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang.

Common reasons to undergo Earlobe Repair surgery:

1. Earlobe Lacerations – Earlobe laceration repair is a very common surgical procedure performed by Dr. Farhang. Earlobes are typically lacerated, or torn, from earrings that get inadvertently pulled. They can also occur in patients who wear excessively heavy earrings that pull down on the earlobes. In many patients, the tiny hole from the piercing becomes elongated as the skin is torn.
2. Enlarged Earlobes – In some cases, patients present for earlobe reshaping because their earlobes are just too large for their liking. This is a congenital issue that they are born with and not something that arises from an injury or prior procedure.
3. Earlobe Gauging – Over the last several years, earlobe gauging has become a very popular and trendy practice. Earlobe gauging involves placement of a gauge, or plug, into the earlobe. Gradually, a larger gauge can be placed over time to further stretch the earlobe to the desired size.

Earlobe Repair Experience

Earlobe repair is an outpatient surgery performed at our state-of-the-art dermatology office in Tucson, AZ. Only local anesthesia is needed to perform the surgery. The procedure is customized for each person, and typically requires removing a small quantity of cartilage and suturing the earlobe to create a more aesthetic appearance. The entire surgery requires only about one hour to complete, based upon the extent of the earlobe repair necessary. After surgery, you will be free to return home, and will be allowed to drive yourself.

Recovering from Earlobe Repair Surgery

Earlobe repair surgery does not involve a significant recovery time and is not particularly painful. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication if needed.

On the day of your earlobe repair surgery, you will go home with a small gauze covering the area. You are not required to continue covering the area with gauze from the day after, however you should keep the repair site clean and follow the wound care instructions provided. It is best to avoid sleeping on your ears until the sutures are removed. You can return to work, school, or other usual activities directly after the procedure with no restrictions, able to shower and shampoo your hair as normal, while avoiding the reshaped earlobes. Stitches will be removed in about one week. If you prefer pierced ears, you are free to have them re-pierced after a few short months.

Avant Dermatology specializes in Earlobe Repair Surgery. During a consultation Dr. Farhang, she can evaluate your earlobe and discuss your desired outcome for the surgery. Contact Avant Dermatology in Tucson, Arizona.