Torn Earlobe Repair

About the Procedure

With the popularity of earrings as jewelry accessory, elongation and even complete tearing of the earlobes does happen. This is usually a result of wearing heavy earrings, or sustaining a sudden downward pull on the earrings that completely tears the piercing.

How the Procedure Is Performed

The torn earlobe can be repaired in two ways:

1. Simple Closure – Dr. Buonassisi incises the walls of the hole, and the skin is sutured closed on the back and front of the earlobe. With the simple closure, re-piercing is not recommended.
2. Z Plasty Reconstruction – Dr. Buonassisi creates two triangular flaps of skin that are designed on either side of the hole or tear. These flaps are then rotated and their positions are swapped. This allows for firm, unscarred tissue to be moved from the periphery of the earlobe back into the area of the tear or elongated piercing. With theZ Plasty reconstruction, the ear can be re-pierced a month after surgery.

Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery from earlobe repair to be quite easy. There is minimal to no discomfort. You may have sutures in yours ears which will be removed or dissolve in one week following surgery.

Time Off Work

• The sutures can be covered with sterile tape during the first week following the procedure
• There is no need to take time off work, however some people choose to if they want to hide the sutures in their ears

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume all activities as normal the day after surgery
• You must be careful not to catch your earlobes on anything while the sutures are in place

Restaurant Ready

• You will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – the day after surgery. It is up to you if you would like to cover the sutures with tape or not.

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of this surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

What Vancouver Earlobe Procedure Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it relates to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request A Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.