My Earlobes Are Stretched?

Question

Hi, I had this earlobe allergy because of fantasy jewelry, my earlobe got really swollen and I notice after 3 days that it know looks stretched and longer, I scratched the earlobe because of the itchiness. Can the earlobe get smaller with time? My friend says that if don't put on any earrings for the next couple months the earlobes will get smaller, is that true? If so, why? Will it stay stretched forever? Thank you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Jason Lichtenberger, MD · Answer

A stretched out earlobe may get smaller with time, but probably not.  I would recommend waiting at least 3 months, but if you are not happy with the appearance of the lobe at that time you should consider seeing a board certified plastic or facial plastic surgeon to address the issue.  Hope this helps.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

This should resolve. I would be careful putting in earrings so as to not traumatize them. Don't worry if they don't go down you can get them reduced. But I wouldn't do this until waiting at least 6 months when most of the healing (80%) is done.

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My Earlobes Are Stretched?

Answers (9)

Answer: Stretched earlobes

Answer: Stretched earlobes

Answer: Earlobe swollen after 3 days

Answer: Earlobe swollen after 3 days

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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