At Advanced Liposuction Center we have many patients inquiring about whether or not it is possible to change the appearance of their ear lobes. For some, ear lobes may have been damaged by an accident or injury, such as taking off a sweater and getting an earring caught in it just as you take it over your head. Others may have worn heavy earrings for years or gauged their ear lobes with plugs and now regret the stretched out look caused by those fads. There are also cases where patients are born with deformed or abnormally shaped lobes. The good news is that in all these cases, cosmetic surgery can repair and reshape the ear lobe, giving it a natural and attractive appearance. Below are some commonly asked questions about this procedure:
Is ear lobe repair painful?
This procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia. You will not feel anything during the surgery. Afterwards your ear may feel a bit warm or swollen. Some bruising about a week after the procedure is also normal (which can be safely covered with makeup during the healing period).
How long does the procedure take?
The length of time for your surgery will depend on your individual needs. Usually the surgery can be completed in less than one hour. One of our expert cosmetic surgeons will meet with you and go over the entire procedure.
What type of post operative care is needed?
You will be given specific aftercare instructions following your procedure. An antibiotic will be prescribed to reduce the chance of infection and the physician will also instruct you on appropriate pain relief options to ease any discomfort you may experience. You may also want to take a Vitamin C supplement for one week following surgery to give your immune system a boost.
You can resume normal activities the day after your surgery. You should avoid heavy lifting, bending over and strenuous physical activity for one week to help speed healing.
What about scarring?
Scarring should be very minimal. You may use Vitamin E to reduce the appearance of the scar, or laser resurfacing treatments can also be considered if necessary.
How soon after earlobe repair surgery can I re-pierce my ears?
After earlobe repair surgery, you should wait at least 6-8 weeks before considering re-piercing your ears. It’s important to allow enough time for the earlobe to heal properly to reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult with your surgeon or a professional piercer before re-piercing to ensure that your earlobe is fully healed and ready for a new piercing.
How long does the procedure take for repairing torn earlobes?
The procedure for repairing torn earlobes typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the damage and the technique used. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, meaning you can go home the same day. Recovery time is relatively quick, and most people can return to their normal activities within a day or two.
What causes earlobe damage or deformities?
Earlobe damage or deformities can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma: This is the most common cause of earlobe damage, often due to earrings being pulled or torn out.
- Heavy earrings: Wearing heavy earrings over time can stretch the earlobe tissue, leading to elongation or thinning of the earlobe.
- Gauging: Stretching the earlobe intentionally, often for fashion purposes, can lead to stretching and thinning of the earlobe tissue.
- Infection: Piercing-related infections can cause damage to the earlobe tissue if not treated promptly.
- Aging: As we age, our skin loses elasticity, which can cause the earlobes to sag or droop.
- Congenital deformities: Some people are born with earlobe deformities, such as cleft earlobes or earlobe clefts.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as keloids or skin conditions, can affect the earlobes and lead to deformities.
Is earlobe repair surgery painful?
Earlobe repair surgery is typically not very painful with anesthesia.
If you have additional questions about this or other cosmetic procedures, contact one of our Pittsburgh area offices for a free consultation by calling: 724-683-7581.