Can this tear in my earlobe heal by itself since it did not split all the way? (Photos)

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

Thank you for your question and posting your photos. Your earlobe has an incomplete or partial cleft. Those with a split all the way have a complete cleft. This occurs due to wearing heavy earrings on trauma from tugging at the earrings. Unfortunately, the cleft will not close spontaneously on their own. If you continue to wear heavy earrings, the cleft will lengthen. The size of the cleft may prevent you from wearing studs as they may fall thru. There are some temporizing measures for those that do not want surgery including the placement of filler, however, undergoing a repair of the cleft would be the most definitive repair. Good luck!

unless it just happened, and there is fresh bleeding edges, the tear won't typically heal on its own.  but they can be easily treated in a small in office procedure.