My earring ripped out of my ear .Can I get it stitched up ? If so, do I go to the ER or make a doctor's appt. ?

Question

My ear ripped due to my piercing being put too close to the end of my ear.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank
you very much for your question.  Your
torn earlobe would best be repaired by a Board Certified plastic surgeon, in
his/her office, and not in the emergency room. 
My suggestion would be to schedule a consultation with a nearby plastic
surgeon, to further discuss your options for correction.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multilayered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I would strongly recommend he see the help of report certified plastic surgeon to repair and earlobe laceration for the best aesthetic results.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Earlobe repair is a very common procedure. Frequently, we have patients who will have the procedure done the same day as the consultation. Typically, the cost is between $450-850 per earlobe, depending on the severity and the length of the procedure.You may be able to find a doctor who will do this under insurance but i am not aware of any.The length of time the ears have been gauged should have no effect on the procedure. As long as the tissue is no longer irritated or inflamed, there is no reason not to give it a try. Gauged ears are sometimes more difficult than some other earlobe repairs since the tissue is so over stretched, but we are still able to create a natural looking earlobe. You can get your ear re pierced about 6 weeks after and should be included in the pricing. Shop around in your area and see if you can find a plastic surgeon in your budget

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Sometimes, the repair might be covered by insurance if you get it done in the emergency room, but only if it just happened as a trauma. This must be done immediately if you're going to have that opportunity. Otherwise, I suggest that you go see a board-certified plastic surgeon for the best repair and reconstruction.

Michael Petrosky, MD · Answer

This is a very common problem and is not an emergency.  Until you can see a plastic surgeon in their office, you can care for the torn earlobe with antibiotic ointment until it is healed.  The torn or bifid earlobe can easily be repaired under local anesthesia in the office.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Torn earlobes are caused by catching the earring on something, the weight of too heavy earrings, use of earrings made of metals which cause inflamatory reactions to the earlobe and over stretching of the ear lobe.  Stitching a torn earlobe as soon as it occurs may connect the two pieces of earlobe but will likely leave a depressed scar.Please consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.Cheers.

Howard Sutkin, MD · Answer

The treatment approach depends on the deformity.  I start with numbing the area with local anesthesia.  Then, I would remove some of the skin of the earlobe, so that I can reconstruct it.  I use fine sutures that will be removed in 1 to 2 weeks.  In most cases, the earlobe can be re-pierced in a place that will be protected from re-injury.  This is a very successful procedure, that is well tolerated.

My earring ripped out of my ear .Can I get it stitched up ? If so, do I go to the ER or make a doctor's appt. ?

Answers (8)

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