The tiny holes pierced in the earlobe for earrings can become elongated over time. Factors such as the weight of heavy earrings worn daily; the pulling of dangling earrings when they are caught on sweaters, hair brushes, or fingers; and the loss of elasticity of aging earlobe skin all work together to slowly pull on the small holes, turning them into long slits or tears in your earlobes. If you feel self-conscious or embarrassed by the look of your ears, and ill-fitting earrings, Dr. Diwan can reconstruct the earlobes to a normal appearance.
Depending on the severity of your unique situation, the slits in your ears can extend all the way down the earlobe, causing it to split and no longer be able to hold an earring. The split earlobe is a deformity that can be corrected in the office with a local anesthetic (numbing injection). After numbing the area, the edges of the split or long earlobe hole are removed and the fresh edges are sewn together. If desired, the repaired earlobe is re-pierced in six weeks. It is important to wear smaller, lighter earrings to prevent the same problem from recurring.
After reconstruction of the earlobe, there is some swelling and, possibly, bruising of the earlobes. Some minor pain or discomfort may occur immediately after surgery, but you should be able to resume your normal routine almost immediately. However, we do recommend avoiding higher levels of physical activity and avoid unnecessary contact with your ears for the first few days. Dr. Diwan will provide you with more detailed care instructions following your own personal earlobe repair procedure. Sutures are removed a week after the repair.
You will notice an immediate improvement in the look of your earlobes once your surgery is complete. There may be some bruising and swelling for the first week as the skin heals. Most patients will enjoy the final results of their earlobe surgery within a few weeks. The earlobes can be re-pierced 6 weeks later.
View Earlobe Repair Before and After Pictures
“I was searching for a doctor to repair my torn earlobe and I am so pleased to have found Dr. Diwan. Dr. Diwan and her staff are very nice and professional. Plus, my procedure was painless and looks great! I would recommend everyone to this center.”