There can be a number of reasons to consider earlobe repair:
- Wearing heavy earrings for a long period of time which caused a split in your lobe.
- You were born with deformed or abnormally shaped earlobes.
- An accidental tear or injury to your earlobe by getting it caught on a scarf or sweater or in some other manner.
- You succumbed to that unfortunate fashion trend of gauging (stretching) your earring holes.
Whatever the cause, the result is unsightly and unattractive earlobes that prevent you from wearing pretty earrings and put a dent in your self-confidence. Well, at Advanced Liposuction Center, our Cranberry Township plastic surgeons want you to know that you can do something about less-than-perfect earlobes.
What is the procedure for fixing damaged earlobes?
There are a variety of procedures that can reshape a torn or stretched earlobe. In most cases, one of our expert plastic surgeons will remove small pieces of the skin from the lobe and then carefully repair the edges by sewing them back together. Our physicians have the eye of an artist and will create a pleasing and natural-looking contour to your earlobe.
How long does the surgery take?
In most cases, it can be done in under 30 minutes in one of our Pittsburgh area offices.
What is the recovery like?
There is minimal discomfort following an earlobe repair surgery. There may be some swelling and bruising in the area of the procedure and you might experience a feeling of warmth in the ear. In most cases, the healing time is about 1 week. Scarring from the procedure will fade within a few months to the point of being barely visible. You can return to your normal activities the day following surgery.
What results can I expect?
Immediate results will be visible when the swelling and bruising goes away. You can even re-pierce your ear 6-8 weeks after the procedure.
Is It Possible To Prevent Earlobe Damage?
In some cases preventing earlobe damage is almost impossible.
For example, if your earrings gets stretched accidently then your earlobe may develop a tear and you will need to undergo a surgery to treat it.
However, if your earlobe got damaged without this kind of situation then you can try these tips to prevent damaged ear:
1. Quit Smoking
Smoking can cause many problems to your body and one of those this circulation problems.
Smoking restricts your blood vessels which makes it hard for your veins to circulate blood through the body.
This way your organs can’t get enough blood which accelerates aging process.
When this happens your skin becomes weaker and this can make your ears more likely to get damaged. Therefore you must avoid smoking for a better health of your ears.
2. Wear Lightweight Earrings
If you wear heavy earrings your ear hole will become bigger and everyone knows that, but if you keep wearing heavy ornaments then you will damage your ears even more.
You should wear only lightweight earrings, they won’t apply too much pressure on your earlobe, prevent your earring hole from getting bigger and prevent damage as well.
3. Remove Your Earrings Before Going To Bed
Going to bed with your earrings doesn’t sound like a bad idea but it really is.
You change many positions while sleeping and then your earring may get stuck which can cause a serious damage to your ear and then survey will be the only treatment option.
Therefore make sure to remove them before going to bed!
4. Avoid Earrings That Can Easily Cause Damage
All earrings come with different designs and some of them can easily get stuck in clothes and tear your earlobe.
So make sure to avoid such type of earrings, they make get stuck in the top parts of your clothes. Remove earrings first and clothes later.
Can earlobe repair be performed on children?
Earlobe repair can be performed on children, but the decision to pursue this procedure should involve careful consideration. Earlobe issues in children might include torn earlobes due to accidents, injuries, or congenital conditions. Here are some key points to consider:
- Age Consideration: While earlobe repair can be done on children, the child’s age is a factor. The child should be old enough to cooperate during the procedure and understand any post-operative care instructions.
- Parental Consent: As with any medical procedure involving minors, parental consent is typically required.
- Safety and Anesthesia: The safety of the child is paramount. If anesthesia is involved, the type and dosage should be carefully determined based on the child’s age and health.
- Recovery and Aftercare: Parents should be prepared to assist with post-operative care, which may include keeping the area clean and ensuring the child avoids activities that could strain the healing earlobe.
How long does it take for the results of earlobe repair to be visible?
The time it takes for the results of earlobe repair to become visible can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the repair, the individual’s healing process, and the specific technique used. In general, here is a rough timeline:
- Immediate Results: Some improvements in the appearance of the earlobe may be visible immediately after the repair, particularly in cases of simple repairs or closures.
- Initial Healing: The initial healing phase typically occurs in the first few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, any swelling or bruising tends to subside.
- Scar Maturation: The final results of earlobe repair, including the appearance of scars, may take several weeks to months. Scar maturation is an ongoing process, and scars often continue to improve in appearance over the course of a year or more.
Is earlobe repair surgery right for me?
You can find out by scheduling a free consultation. Our plastic surgeons will evaluate your earlobe and tell you the best option for achieving the look you desire. Contact us by calling: 724-683-7581.