Earlobe repair

Top New York plastic surgeon Dr. Darrick Antell is board certified in plastic surgery, emphasizing aesthetic / cosmetic surgery. One of the procedures he performs is torn earlobe repair.

Earlobe repair is usually done to repair torn, stretched or damaged earlobes, usually as a result of trauma or wear and tear from heavy jewelry.  If you are considering torn earlobe repair, this section will give you a basic understanding of the procedure.

Considering Torn Earlobe Repair

When earrings get snagged in clothing, pulled accidentally, or even yanked by a small child, the result can be a torn earlobe. Earlobes can also become stretched from the wear and tear of heavy jewelry, or earring holes can become gradually enlarged over time. If you’re not satisfied with the appearance of your earlobes, or you have damage that makes it difficult to wear the jewelry you love, make an appointment with Dr. Antell to find out more about torn earlobe repair.

All Ear Surgery carries some uncertainty and risk

When earlobe surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor.  Nevertheless, as with any procedure, there are risks associated with torn earlobe repair, including the risk of infection.  Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.

The Torn Earlobe Repair Procedure

Depending on your individual circumstances, torn earlobe repair can be performed immediately following an injury, or delayed until the wound is healed and tissue is no longer inflamed.  The specific method of repair will depend on how much tissue was lost, and the nature of your injury.  A variety of different techniques can be performed to close the wound, redistribute tissue, and reshape the ear to match your natural ear shape.  Torn ear lobe repair is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in Dr. Antell’s office using a local anesthetic. 

Getting back to normal after Torn Earlobe Repair

After the earlobe repair procedure, most patients don’t need pain medication, although Dr. Antell will recommend an over-the-counter medication, if necessary.  In most cases, the only dressing needed is a thin layer of antibiotic ointment, and stitches are usually removed in about a week.  Dr. Antell will talk to you about specific post-procedure care instructions. 

How to get started?

Dr. Antell and his staff will be happy to discuss torn earlobe repair with you.  Please call for a private consultation or schedule an appointment online at our office.