Earlobe repair - don't know if I would need both done? (Photos)

Question

When I was a teen I had my ears stretched for a very very short time maybe 6 months. I am now 30 and wanting to get them fixed as I teach and find it annoying to not be able to wear most types of earrings. The right earring don't look bad just sunken and don't pull through like on the left. So don't know if I would specifically need both done. Wanted to know the cost I am in Manhattan but would be willing to travel.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Easy to fix, takes 20 minutes, no preparation needed. Done under local anesthesia. The hole is closed and then pierced in 3 months. 
Regards
Dr. J

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

If you stretched your earlobes for a brief period as a teenager and now want to correct the appearance to be able to wear regular earrings, you may not necessarily need both earlobes treated. It would be beneficial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or a specialist in earlobe repair and discuss your specific situation. They can assess the extent of the stretching and damage on each earlobe and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
In some cases, only one earlobe may require correction, as you mentioned. The surgeon can perform earlobe repair or reconstruction to restore a more natural appearance, allowing you to wear regular earrings comfortably.

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

This is fairly straightforward to fix and could be done under local numbing medicine with you awake.  Best to be seen in person and to discuss what is going on with both ears and if you need or want to have both repaired at the same time. There would be a period of time where you can't wear earrings in this area, but ultimately the lobes can be re-pierced (with a plan for avoiding this problem happening again).

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

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photos. The short answer is that if your ear rings are unable to be worn, either because the holes are oriented incorrected or continue to be too large to comfortably wear ear rings in them, the holes would need to be repaired. In general, the holes are closed with a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia. There's really no shortcut. Although, some providers will offer injection of fillers in the earlobe to decrease the relative size of the piercing. Keep in mind fillers are not approved for this use and any result would be temporary. Your best bet is to consult with a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon that performs a significant number of these. For reference, I perform several earlobe repairs each week in my office. A quick google search in your area would yield a list of surgeons. Keep in mind experience and credentials/board certification is important - even for something as minor as an earlobe repair. I hope you find this information helpful. 
Best of luck!
Dr. Harmych

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

Both can be repaired at the same time.  The right one seems to be mostly cosmetic.  This can be done under local.  Remember not to re-pierce the ear lobe along the repair line.

Anne-Sophie Lessard, MD · Answer

Hello! I do perform regularly earlobe repairs and I understand how annoying it can be not to be able to wear regular earrings. if you cannot wear earrings on the right side as well, I would repair it too. Both can be done under local anesthesia (like at the dentist) in 45 minutes or so! You will exchange the holes by a scar. I recommend to wait at least 2 months to get pierced again (and get the piercing beside the scar since scars are weaker and you dont want this to recur again)I hope that help you :)

Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

I would recommend repairing both, then it will be symmetrical. If you only prepare one, six months later you will wear earrings and realize they may not be exact match, and the other one may stretch out and you’ll be in the same situation

Earlobe repair - don't know if I would need both done? (Photos)

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Answers (8)

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