There can be a number of reasons to consider earlobe repair:
- Wearing heavy earrings for a long period of time which caused a split in your lobe.
- You were born with deformed or abnormally shaped earlobes.
- An accidental tear or injury to your earlobe by getting it caught on a scarf or sweater or in some other manner.
- You succumbed to that unfortunate fashion trend of gauging (stretching) your earring holes.
Whatever the cause, the result is unsightly and unattractive earlobes that prevent you from wearing pretty earrings and put a dent in your self-confidence. Well, at Advanced Liposuction Center, our Cranberry Township plastic surgeons want you to know that you can do something about less-than-perfect earlobes.
What is the procedure for fixing damaged earlobes?
There are a variety of procedures that can reshape a torn or stretched earlobe. In most cases, one of our expert plastic surgeons will remove small pieces of the skin from the lobe and then carefully repair the edges by sewing them back together. Our physicians have the eye of an artist and will create a pleasing and natural-looking contour to your earlobe.
How long does the surgery take?
In most cases, it can be done in under 30 minutes in one of our Pittsburgh area offices.
What is the recovery like?
There is minimal discomfort following an earlobe repair surgery. There may be some swelling and bruising in the area of the procedure and you might experience a feeling of warmth in the ear. In most cases, the healing time is about 1 week. Scarring from the procedure will fade within a few months to the point of being barely visible. You can return to your normal activities the day following surgery.
What results can I expect?
Immediate results will be visible when the swelling and bruising goes away. You can even re-pierce your ear 6-8 weeks after the procedure.
Can earlobe repair be done for uneven or elongated earlobes?
Yes, earlobe repair can be done for uneven or elongated earlobes. This procedure can help reshape the earlobes to create a more symmetrical appearance.
For uneven earlobes, the surgeon will typically remove a small amount of tissue from the longer earlobe to match it with the shorter one. This is done carefully to ensure that the final result looks natural and balanced
How does earlobe repair for stretched earlobes differ from other types of earlobe repair?
Earlobe repair for stretched earlobes, also known as earlobe reconstruction, differs from other types of earlobe repair in several ways:
1. Tissue Removal: In earlobe repair for stretched earlobes, a larger portion of the earlobe may need to be removed to address the stretching. This is done to reshape the earlobe and create a more natural appearance.
2. Techniques Used: The techniques used in earlobe repair for stretched earlobes may differ from other types of earlobe repair. For example, the surgeon may use a layered closure technique to ensure a more stable and aesthetically pleasing result.
3. Healing Process: The healing process for earlobe repair for stretched earlobes may be longer and more involved compared to other types of earlobe repair, due to the larger area of tissue removal and the need for careful rreshapin
4. Recovery Time: The recovery time for earlobe repair for stretched earlobes may be longer compared to other types of earlobe repair, as the earlobes need time to heal and reshape properly
Can earlobe repair be done for congenital deformities of the earlobe?
Yes, earlobe repair can be done for congenital deformities of the earlobe. Congenital earlobe deformities, such as cleft earlobes or abnormal earlobe shapes, can be corrected through surgical procedures to reshape the earlobe and improve its appearance
How long does it take for the results of earlobe repair to be visible?
The time it takes for the results of earlobe repair to become visible can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the repair, the individual’s healing process, and the specific technique used. In general, here is a rough timeline:
- Immediate Results: Some improvements in the appearance of the earlobe may be visible immediately after the repair, particularly in cases of simple repairs or closures.
- Initial Healing: The initial healing phase typically occurs in the first few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, any swelling or bruising tends to subside.
- Scar Maturation: The final results of earlobe repair, including the appearance of scars, may take several weeks to months. Scar maturation is an ongoing process, and scars often continue to improve in appearance over the course of a year or more.
Is earlobe repair surgery right for me?
You can find out by scheduling a free consultation. Our plastic surgeons will evaluate your earlobe and tell you the best option for achieving the look you desire. Contact us by calling: 724-683-7581.