Are there other surgery options to help close piercing holes? (Photo)

Question

About 10 months ago I got surgery to close piercings on my right ear and most of them look the same, as if I never got the procedure done. Would something like a laser treatment help smooth out the holes' appearance or would it be safe/reasonable to try the regular procedure again? Any recommendations are appreciated.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

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

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

I would suggest re-excision of the holes, with attention to the closure.  I think a better result can be achieved that what you have.

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

The only way to fix this in my opinion is by direct excision and meticulous closure.  Lasers/peels etc will not correct indentions of this nature.  Best of luck.

Ralph Trey Aquadro, MD · Answer

Lasers are not going to help.  The entire hole (all the way through to the other side) needs to be excised and meticulously closed.  I would recommend you find a plastic surgeon who can show you pictures of repaired ear lobes.Best of luck,Trey Aquadro, M.D.Auburn, AL

Are there other surgery options to help close piercing holes? (Photo)

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Are there other surgery options to help close piercing holes? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Can these holes be closed?

Answer: Can these holes be closed?

Answer: Earring hole repair

Answer: Earring hole repair

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.