With the arrival of sweater season, Bethel Park plastic surgeons see more patients in need of earlobe repair. Unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence: you go to pull a sweater over your head and it catches on an earring, ripping it out of your earlobe. The good news is at Advanced Liposuction Center we can repair damaged earlobes.

Of course, sweaters are not the only cause of ear lobe disfigurement. Gauging or ear lobe stretching is a fashion fad that many people later regret trying. Even years of wearing heavy earrings can leave ear lobes stretched out and sagging. Sometimes, patients are born with misshapen ear lobes.

Simple Earlobe Repair

Whatever the cause of your ear lobe damage, a simple, in-office procedure can restore your ear lobe to a pleasing and attractive shape. Using a local anesthetic to numb the ear lobe, our expert cosmetic surgeons will make the appropriate cuts and then stitch the ear lobe into a beautifully contoured shape that suits your face.

Following the surgery, you may feel a mild warmth or burning sensation in the ear lobe and perhaps experience some swelling. There can be minor bruising at the site of the stitches about one week after the procedure. Scarring is usually very minimal, but we do offer fractional laser treatment for scarring if you so wish. The plastic surgeon will also give you an antibiotic to take following the procedure to reduce the risk of infection which you should be sure to take as directed. After 6-8 weeks, when the ear lobe is fully healed, you can re-pierce the ear if you desire.

The perfect candidate for earlobe surgery is who?

A youngster above the age of five, a teenager, or an adult looking to improve the appearance of their earlobes should be an excellent candidate for earlobe surgery. For people with severe earlobe malformations or those who are prone to keloid scarring, earlobe surgery is not advised.

How painful is earlobe repair surgery?

One of the least intrusive surgical procedures is earlobe repair. This surgery takes only 30 minutes to complete and is done under local anesthesia so you won’t experience any discomfort, just like any other procedure that can make you anxious.

Once your earlobes have fully recovered from your surgery, you are free to change the way your ears look in a couple of weeks, such as by getting them pierced once more.

How long does it take for an earlobe repair to heal?

An suitable recuperation period is usually between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the type of repair. Numerous common operations are hardly ever invasive and allow you to resume your normal activities right away. In most cases, there is no recovery time and many patients can start wearing earrings 12 weeks after surgery.

Getting Ready For The Procedure

Your surgeon will provide you preoperative instructions before to your earlobe rebuilding treatment. To guarantee the greatest possible outcome from your surgery, it is imperative that you carefully adhere to following recommendations.

You should avoid wearing ear jewelry for several months before surgery if the damage to your earlobe was caused by ear plugs or excessive straining of the lobe. As a result, your earlobe’s skin will be able to contract as much as possible before the treatment. Additionally, you should inform your surgeon if you want to get your ears pierced again after the treatment and if you or anybody in your family has a history of developing keloid scars. They will be able to employ strategies that support your particular objectives and take into account your wishes as a result.

How To Get Better Results From Surgery?

Choose a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon: Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in earlobe surgery.

Follow pre-operative instructions

Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure optimal results.

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking and alcohol consumption can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It is best to avoid these substances before and after the surgery.

Rest and take it easy

After the surgery, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activity for several days. This will help to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Care for your incisions

Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for your incisions. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize scarring and promote healing.

Wear protective clothing

It is important to protect your earlobes from injury after the surgery. This may include wearing protective clothing or avoiding activities that could cause trauma to the earlobes.

By following these tips, you can help ensure the best possible results from your earlobe surgery. Remember to discuss any concerns or questions with your plastic surgeon before and after the procedure.

Can Children Undergo Earlobe Repair?

Yes, children can undergo ear lobe repair surgery if they have torn, stretched or damaged earlobes. Ear lobe injuries can occur due to trauma or as a result of wearing heavy earrings or gauges. Ear lobe repair surgery is a simple procedure that can be performed on children as young as 6 years old. However, the decision to undergo ear lobe repair surgery for a child should be made in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, who can assess the child’s individual needs and determine if the surgery is appropriate. It is important to choose a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who can provide safe and effective care for children.

Our procedures are all safe and provide beautiful results. To learn more about earlobe repair you can meet with one of our cosmetic surgeons for a free consultation. To make an appointment at one of our Pittsburgh area offices, contact us by calling: 724-683-7581.