Can I have earlobe surgery to close all of my piercings? (Photo)

Question

I am wanting to close up my five earlobe piercings because they were pierced very unevenly. They won't close on their own since I've had them in for so long, so I've been looking at earlobe reconstruction surgery. Would it be possible to close up my piercings with the surgery? (they were never stretched) and would the scarring be terrible? Will my ear look normal after? Thanks in advance; I have a picture attached.

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

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Tricky to punch out little piercings one by one and then have them heal in a LESS conspicuous way. Best to remove the piercings... looks like you're still wearing them? And see how things settle down. IF there is one that really bothers you, it would be reasonable to do a "test" excision of that one and see how it heals before going crazy with a plastic surgeon. sound reasonable?

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

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

Closing your earlobe piercings is definitely possible, and easy to do in an office setting under local anesthesia.  A small scar will be left where each piercing was.  Typically, these scars are not that noticeable once you re-pierce the earlobe and have an earring in place.  Best of luckKeith M Blechman MDNew York, NY

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

You  may certainly have each of those earlobe piercings closed.You will be left with a small scar at each piercing site. The scars should fade (although they will never disappear completely) with time and your ear should look normal. Meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to find out more.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

All of these holes can be fixed. This is performed as an office procedure under local anesthesia. The scarring should be very good

Jacob Bloom, MD · Answer

I preform a simple procedure under local anesthesia to remove unwanted or problematic piercings.   During the procedure, I punch-out the old piercing site and place 1-2 sutures to close it up.  In your case, I'd have you stop wearing your earrings for 2-4 weeks to make the holes as small as possible.  Next we would remove every other piercing and let things heal before removing the rest.   The sites look relatively normal but we trade a scar for the piercing.  See attached pictures on my dashboard.

Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thank you for your question.  When it comes to repairing earlobes you are trading one scar (the hole that is there now) for another (generally a line scar).  I am not sure what is available in your area but another treatment that can close down piercing holes is TCA (trichloroacetic acid).  It's a solution that is applied topically and can shrink the hole down and close it over.  This is done with a little bit of local freezing for comfort and is tolerated very well with great results in 1-2 treatments.  TCA is great for unstretched earring holes and can avoid the line scar that is associated with traditional earlobe repair.As always consult with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and best of luck.Dr. K.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello charforsure,It is a simple procedure performed under local anesthesia in the clinic to close your holes.  The ear will look normal after but there will be small scars (which should be less noticeable than all of the holes).  I'd recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon to go over your options.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Zachary Farris, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can have all the earlobe piercing holes closed up but it will leave small scars.  This can be done in the office under local anesthesia injection.  Good luck.