Earlobe Repair Surgery

Your earlobes are formed of skin and adipose connective tissues and do not contain cartilage. The pliability of your earlobes make them susceptible to damage caused by heavy earrings or ear spacers (gauges). This damage, whether intentional or not, usually cannot be repaired without surgical intervention. With the help of earlobe repair surgery, stretched or torn earlobes can be repaired for a more natural appearance. Dr. Barr offers extensive knowledge and experience to surgically correct a wide variety of aesthetic problems related to the face and body, including the ears. The earlobe repair procedure performed at Barr Plastic Surgery corrects stretched and damaged earlobes caused by earrings, trauma and spacers.

If you are a patient considering an earlobe repair procedure, please continue reading for further information on this and what you can expect. If you have any questions about ear surgery, or any of our other procedures, please contact us.

Preparing for Your Earlobe Repair Procedure

What is the first step in pursuing an earlobe repair procedure?

The first step when considering ear surgery is to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Barr. The consultation process provides an opportunity for you to obtain important information about the procedure and to have all of your questions answered prior to proceeding with surgery. It also enables Dr. Barr to properly assess your ears and to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for ear surgery.

You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any past and present medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries, and all current medications. History of high blood pressure, thyroid problems, allergies and diabetes will also be reviewed as these medical conditions may increase the risks associated with ear surgery. Pre-operative photographs will be taken during this assessment while Dr. Barr carefully examines your ears. He will discuss your specific concerns so that there is a clear understanding of what needs to be done to meet your expectations and goals. 

Dr. Barr will explain the procedure in detail including all of the benefits, risks and potential complications associated with earlobe repair surgery. The information provided at this initial consultation will be comprehensive and thorough. You will be well informed so that you can make a decision as to whether or not this surgery is the right choice for you.

Can I combine another surgery with my earlobe repair procedure?
It may be possible to schedule other procedures at the same time as your earlobe repair procedure. If you are considering other procedures, please let our team members know when you are booking the consultation so that these can be discussed during the consultation.

The Procedure

What will I need to do prior to surgery?

All necessary information will be provided at the time of the consultation. You will be provided with an arrival time and specific date for the procedure. Please eat and drink normally as this procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and you will not need to make any special arrangements for driving to or from Barr Plastic Surgery. 

 

How is an ear repair procedure performed?
Earlobe repair surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation. During ear surgery, the edges of the torn or stretched lobe are incised to create two fresh wound edges to stitch together. Sutures are placed in the deep tissues and multiple clear sutures are placed on the front and back of the ear.  A different surgical approach is needed for gauge / spacer ear changes.  Often, small rotation flaps need to be designed, rotated and repaired to reconstruct the earlobe. A small amount of topical antibiotic ointment is applied. You will need to return to the clinic in 10 to 12 days for reassessment and suture removal.

Recovery

Will I need to stay overnight following my surgery?

Earlobe repair surgery is an outpatient procedure and you will be able to drive yourself home or back to work after it is completed. 

 

How long will it take me to recover from my earlobe repair procedure?

Dr. Barr uses a combination of two different anaesthetic medications to ensure that patients are comfortable during and after the procedure. Most patients take no medications following the procedure as they remain comfortable. You can get your ears wet in the shower the second day after the procedure and we ask that you wash your ears twice a day starting two days following the procedure.

This optimizes the results of the procedure and decreases the risk of infection. You will be asked not to re-pierce your earlobes until six months following the earlobe repair. Dr. Barr and his medical staff will be available for any questions or concerns throughout the healing process.

Will I have scarring?
Dr. Barr takes every precaution to ensure your scarring is as minimal as possible and hides the incisions so that they are almost undetectable. Time improves all incisions. During the post-operative visits Dr. Barr and his staff will discuss methods to optimize your incisions. These include massage, sun avoidance and silicone gel or sheeting. If needed, the use of light based treatments and injections can further diminish the appearance of incisions.

More information on Earlobe Repair

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