Earlobe repair is a procedure to fix earlobes that have been damaged or have an abnormal appearance.
Who needs earlobe repair?
You may be a candidate for earlobe repair or otoplasty if your earlobes are torn, split or stretched from trauma or years of wearing heavy earrings. The abnormal appearance of earlobes can be an embarrassment and having your earlobes repaired is a simple in-office procedure that will allow you to wear earrings again.
What is the procedure like?
The earlobes are marked and numbed. Then the edges are surgically corrected and realigned. Your doctor will place very fine sutures hold the repaired skin together and steri-strips will be applied for a few days. The sutures are usually removed after about ten days. Make sure you keep the area clean and dry. Applying a topical antibiotic ointment is also recommended. Complete healing will take about two to three weeks. If you want to re-pierce your ears, wait until three months after the earlobe repair.
Earlobe repair for keloid scars
Many people develop keloid scars after ear piercing. Keloid scars are thickened, discolored, itchy or abnormal scars. Earlobe keloid scars can be surgically removed along with an earlobe repair procedure. However, keloid scars can return after they have been removed. To help prevent the keloid from coming back, your dermatologist may inject the area with small volumes of a steroid medication during follow up visits.
Do you have questions regarding earlobe repair?
Are you thinking about having an earlobe repair? If so, contact us to setup an appointment. We will be happy answer your questions and help determine the best options for your earlobes. George Wooming, M.D. will be happy to address your needs at Dallas Dermatology.
