Earlobe repair, Lend Us Your Ears – and We’ll Fix ’em!
While women have traditionally been the ones associated with suffering in the name of fashion, over the past several years, members of both sexes have been taking it to new levels. In fact, earlobe repair -with the piercing and tattooing crazes that have exploded, they’re really stretching it! Yes, besides causing great discomfort, “body art” has ruined many a body part; and ear gauges are extremely damaging, as they can completely obliterate the lobes.
Whether your earlobes have been distorted by gauges, or from years of wearing heavy earrings, or if they’ve been ripped or injured, listen up! With our earlobe repair procedure, we can reconstruct them. So lend us your ears – and we’ll fix ’em!
Earlobe repair – Stretched lobes
Ear lobe stretching, also known as “gauging”, has become a trendy form of body modification for both men and women. Popular with young people, this technique involves wearing plugs or “gauges” in the earlobes and gradually increasing the size of the earlobe hole until it becomes as large as a half an inch in diameter or more. But like most fashion trends, ear lobe stretching will go out of style sooner or later. Not to mention the fact that the dalliances of youth often turn ugly when you’re in your forties and everything starts to sag. Who wants ears with huge, gaping holes that swing while you walk?
A gauged hole can sometimes close up on its own, but there are various factors, including your age, your genetics, and the size of the hole that might warrant surgical reconstruction of the ear lobe. Recovery time is about the same as with other earlobe repairs.
How long is the recovery period after earlobe repair?
The recovery period after earlobe repair can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing factors. In general, here’s what you can expect:
- Immediate Recovery: After the procedure, you might experience some mild discomfort, swelling, and possibly bruising around the treated area. This usually subsides within a few days.
- Bandages: Your surgeon might place bandages or dressings on the repaired earlobes. These may need to be kept in place for a few days.
- Sutures: If sutures (stitches) are used, they are typically removed within a week to ten days, depending on the specific technique used.
- Healing Time: Complete healing can take several weeks. During this time, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
- Avoid Pressure: You’ll likely be advised to avoid any pressure or tension on the repaired earlobes to prevent stress on the healing tissues.
- Returning to Activities: You may be able to return to most regular activities within a week, but it’s advisable to avoid strenuous exercise or activities that might strain the ears for a bit longer.
- Re-Piercing: If the earlobe repair was for torn or stretched earlobes, re-piercing might be possible after several months of healing. Consult your surgeon for guidance on timing.
Will I experience pain or discomfort during or after the procedure?
During the earlobe repair procedure, you will likely experience minimal pain or discomfort due to the local anesthesia used to numb the area. This ensures that you’re comfortable during the procedure itself. You might feel a slight pinch or pressure during the injection of anesthesia, but any discomfort should be temporary and minor.
After the procedure, it’s common to experience some degree of discomfort, swelling, and possibly mild pain. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your surgeon.
If you would like to learn more about how you can benefit from earlobe surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Giraldo today.