Ear piercing after earlobe repair. Is it safe to pierce?

Hello, that's a great question that comes up all the time. Yes, at this point I would offer to re-pierce your earlobes. In general, I would avoid piercing the skin through the closure/scar because it will never have the same strength as the surrounding skin. I also suggest wearing light weight earrings to start (e.g. studs).
Best,Dr. Tower

2 months is long enough. I usually have patients wait 8 weeks. I recommend making the hole just above the scar, in fresh tissue, so that there is more strength. If you pierce in the same area as the previous repair you risk your earrings gradually cheese wiring through again. Also, once your repierced ears have healed, I recommend NOT sleeping with earrings unless they are small studs. As you turn your head from side to side on a pillow, the earring can tug and stretch the hole out.

Yes. However, we advise patients to refrain from piercing the affected ear for 3-6 months after earlobe repair surgery. Occasionally, I may recommend earlobe rejuvenation with the aid of a dermal filler in order to increase the tensile strength of the earlobe and prevent future tears.
Ideally, the piercing should be slightly to the side of the scar as even a fully mature scar has about 70% of the tensile strength of healthy skin.
It is important to note the healing process can vary from person to person, and the condition of the earlobe is important. If there's a persistent bump or any sign of infection, it's best to address these concerns before re-piercing.
Remember that following proper aftercare instructions and ensuring that the earlobe is fully healed are crucial for a successful and safe re-piercing.

Earlobe repair is a common procedure in our plastic surgery office. I employ a technique that involves removing the excess scar tissue and reapproximating the tissue planes in multiple layers to recontour the earlobe after gauges, torn earlobes, or stretched out earlobes. Sometimes, the same procedure is used to restore contour to a pixie ear after facelift surgery or facial surgery. Gauge correction is a popular treatment. Insurance typically does not cover the procedure in California, but it all depends on your insurance policy. Costs are typically between six hundred dollars and one thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the repair. Pixie ear repair involves correction of the facelift flap and is a more complex procedure that requires anesthesia. Aftercare for earlobe repair involves proper wound care, Plato’s Scar Serum at least twice daily, with repiercing of the earlobe if requested, in 6 weeks. It is best to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure and help with scars in the post-procedure period. Plato’s Scar Serum, wound care, and Neosporin are used.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Hello,

And thank you for the question.

It should be safe to re-pierce the earlobes 6-8 weeks following earlobe repair surgery.

I typically recommend to re-pierce right next to the preexisting scar because tissues are the strongest there.

I would also discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon for best cosmetic results.

I hope this helps.
Good luck!

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question. We usually have our patients wait 3 months before re-piercing the earlobe, and 3 mm from the repair. Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist (ENT). They will help you make a plan to achieve your goals.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Typically, it's recommended to wait for about 2 to 3 months after the repair surgery before considering re-piercing. This timeframe allows sufficient time for the tissues to fully heal and regain their strength. It's advisable to choose a piercing location that's away from the scar area to prevent the risk of creating a new tear in the delicate tissue. This cautious approach helps ensure optimal healing and reduces the likelihood of complications.

Each surgeon has their own post-surgical advice therefore it would be best to ask your surgeon for their opinion.

Hi there! Thanks for your question. At 2-3 months post-closure, you should be good to re-pierce. When I do it for my patients, I pierce near the incision but not exactly. The reason is the scar is not as strong as surrounding skin. Hope this helps!