Earlobe reconstruction is a cosmetic procedure that restores the shape, size, and appearance of the earlobe. It can repair an elongated or completely split piercing caused by trauma, accidental pulling, or years of wearing heavy or dangling earrings.
Earlobe surgery may also address:
- Torn or split earlobes
- Stretched or gauged earlobes
- Enlarged earring openings
- Elongated or overly wide earlobes
- Earlobe asymmetry
- Age-related volume loss
- “Floppy” earlobes that cause earrings to point downward
Earlobe Repair in St. Louis
A torn or split earlobe can affect your ability to wear earrings and may impact your appearance. Tears may be partial or complete and can result from an earring being pulled while dressing, exercising, or participating in other activities.
Earlobe repair is a straightforward, in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the damaged skin edges are removed and the healthy edges are carefully sutured together to restore the natural contour of the earlobe.
Most patients can drive themselves to and from the appointment, return to work, and resume most daily activities soon after the procedure. Vigorous exercise should generally be avoided for approximately three days.
Sutures are usually removed about one week after surgery. The ear can typically be re-pierced approximately eight weeks after the repair, once the tissue has healed. Re-piercing may be performed during a follow-up appointment.
Gauged Earlobe Reconstruction
Earlobe gauging, or stretching the earlobe with large jewelry, can create an enlarged opening or completely separate the earlobe. Some patients choose reconstruction to restore a more natural appearance, return to wearing traditional earrings, or meet employment or military requirements.
Candidates for Gauged Earlobe Repair
You may be a candidate for gauged earlobe reconstruction if you have:
- An enlarged opening you would like to reduce or eliminate
- A stretched earlobe with excess tissue
- A gauge that has completely torn through the earlobe
- A desire to restore a more traditional earlobe appearance
Gauged Earlobe Repair Surgery
Patients are generally asked to remove their gauges for approximately two months before surgery. This allows the opening to shrink and may help preserve more of the earlobe tissue during reconstruction.
The procedure is similar to the repair of a widened or split earlobe. It is performed in the office under local anesthesia. The skin around the opening is removed, and the edges are precisely sutured together. Sutures are typically removed the following week.
Nicotine can significantly reduce blood flow and interfere with wound healing. Patients should avoid nicotine products for approximately one month before and one month after surgery, as directed by their surgeon.
Earlobe Reduction
Earlobe reduction can improve the size, shape, symmetry, and proportion of the earlobes in relation to the rest of the ear and face.
Some patients who feel that their earlobes have become elongated actually have age-related volume loss rather than true excess length. When the earlobe is truly elongated or overly wide, a small wedge of tissue may be removed. The remaining edges are then carefully sutured together, shortening and narrowing the earlobe.
Earlobe Volume Restoration
As we age, the earlobes may lose volume and become thin or floppy. This can cause earrings to point downward instead of facing forward. The loss of volume may also form vertical creases in the earlobe. Both of these issues can be improved with restoring volume to the earlobe.
Volume can often be restored with a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, such as Juvederm or Restylane. In many cases, one syringe is sufficient to treat both earlobes. Results vary, but filler may last approximately two years in the earlobe.
Schedule a Consultation for Earlobe Reconstruction in St. Louis
Whether you have a torn earlobe, stretched gauge opening, elongated earlobes, or age-related volume loss, an individualized consultation can help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Contact our St. Louis office to schedule a consultation and discuss your goals for earlobe repair or reconstruction.