Earlobe Repair
Earlobe tears can occur when earrings are pulled or caught on fabric, and sometimes the piercings stretch over time from wearing heavy earrings. Earlobe Repair is a specialized surgery that repairs torn or overly stretched earlobes. If the earlobes are elongated or sagging due to the aging process, however, please see Earlobe Reduction.
Dr. Rodwell uses the latest techniques to provide expert earlobe repair and other ear surgeries, all of which require considerable training and experience. Earlobe repair, in particular, can require rearranging tissue in order to create an aesthetically pleasing result.
Why consider Earlobe Repair?
Earlobe Repair can:
- Restore a normal appearance to the earlobes
- Restore normal-sized earring holes
- Correct stretched piercings
- Reconstruct the earlobe after skin cancer
Dr. Rodwell’s Approach to Earlobe Repair
Dr. Rodwell will examine your earlobes carefully and tell you what can be accomplished to restore their appearance. For some patients, a stretched piercing can be easily sutured back together, while for other patients, healthy tissue from the earlobe must be rearranged to replace damaged areas. The goal is to create a natural-looking earlobe that can support earrings again in the future.
The procedure is usually performed using a local anesthetic in the office. Sedation is not necessary for the vast majority of patients.
What to Expect After Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair recovery is generally well-tolerated with some slight bruising, tenderness, and swelling. Pain medication can be taken if needed, and keeping the head elevated will help to reduce inflammation. Most patients return to work or school the next morning.
Any external stitches will be removed within a week. Most patients cannot wear earrings for a period of six weeks or longer after the surgery, and all patients should avoid heavy earrings. After time for adequate healing, a new earring hole can be pierced. Every case is different, so Dr. Rodwell will give you full post-operative instructions with regard to care and earring use.
If you are considering earlobe repair in Charleston, contact Dr. Rodwell today to discuss your candidacy.