“I was taking my scarf off and it caught on my earring and partially tore the lobe.” Or, “I thought gauging (the practice of stretching the ear lobe by wearing increasingly larger plugs in pierced ear holes) was cool a few years ago. Now my ear lobes are just sagging and ugly looking and I can’t wear any pretty earrings.” Do either of these scenarios sound familiar? These are just a couple of the reasons clients bring to us at Advanced Liposuction Center, searching for a solution to make their ear lobes attractive again. In other cases a person may have been born with a deformed lobe or an accident or trauma damaged it. Fortunately, there is a way to fix unsightly ear lobes.
Surgical Reconstruction: Safe and Simple
Our expert board certified cosmetic surgeons can safely reshape your ear lobes. The procedure can be done in one of our conveniently located Pittsburgh area offices and basically involves the doctor removing a small piece of skin and then carefully stitching the edges of the ear lobe together, forming a pleasing contour. The process is nearly pain-free (your ear lobe is numbed with a local anesthesia) and can usually be completed in under an hour, depending on the extent of the contouring that is necessary.
Post Operative Care
After the anesthesia wears off, your ear may feel warm and swollen. Some bruising may occur about a week after the procedure. As a precaution, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection and you are encouraged to take Vitamin C to boost your natural immunity. Some minimal scarring will occur. Using vitamin E can help reduce the appearance of a scar as can laser resurfacing treatments if necessary. You will be able to re-pierce your ear lobe 6-8 weeks after surgery.
Can earlobe damage repair be done under local anesthesia?
Yes, earlobe damage repair can often be performed under local anesthesia. The use of local anesthesia allows the targeted area to be numbed, ensuring that the patient remains comfortable during the procedure without the need for general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is commonly used for minor surgical interventions, including repairing torn or stretched earlobes. This approach allows for a quicker recovery, and patients can typically return home shortly after the procedure. However, the specific choice of anesthesia may depend on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the repair.
Can damaged earlobes be pierced again after repair?
Yes, damaged earlobes can often be pierced again after they have been repaired. However, the timing and feasibility of piercing will depend on the nature of the repair, the healing process, and the guidance of the healthcare professional performing the repair.
In many cases, individuals choose to wait until the earlobe has fully healed and any stitches or sutures have been removed before considering re-piercing. This ensures that the repaired earlobe is stable and less prone to complications.
Are results from earlobe repair permanent?
Earlobe repair procedures aim to provide long-lasting results, and in many cases, the outcomes are considered permanent. The repaired earlobes are typically stable and can endure daily activities without significant issues.
However, it’s essential to note that the success and longevity of the results can depend on various factors, including the extent of the damage, the specific technique used in the repair, and how well the postoperative care instructions are followed. Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as avoiding excessive pulling or trauma to the earlobes, can contribute to the longevity of the results.
How long does it take to recover from earlobe repair surgery?
Recovery from earlobe repair surgery typically takes 1-2 weeks, involving minimal discomfort. Follow postoperative care for optimal healing.
Don’t suffer unnecessarily with an unattractive ear lobe. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, contact us at 724-683-7581.