My Earlobes Are Stretched?

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. 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 multi-layered 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.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Based on your history I think is most likely that the ear lobe skin will “bounce back” in a few months to a year. If not, seek consultation with a well trained board-certified plastic surgeon for advice.

Best wishes.

Most likely if you just had an allergic reaction and swelling and didn't cause the earring hole to actually split with pulling and/or itching, it will resolve over time.   If it doesn't, a split or stretched earring hole can be repaired in the office.  If you are worried about the actual size of your lobe, small surgical procedures under local anesthesia can be performed to reduce the size of the earlobe.  Avoid those earrings  (and all earrings until the swelling goes away), and see what happens over the next couple months!