I had mini face lift a month ago. My earlobe is detached

Question

My surgeon said my detached earlobe will repair itself on its own. How can it repair itself on its own if it's detached? It I need it sutured how long should I wait?

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

Thank you for sharing.  I am sorry you had this happened to you.  Unfortunately at times the earlobe can become detached after a facelift.  Many times this occurs from accidental trauma by the patient while they are sleeping, or, for instance, when they are taking off a shirt and pulling it over ones heads.  So long as the area is not raw and oozing (this would require intervention and treatment), it is reasonable to wait a few months for everything to try to heal on its own and reassess at that time.  Many times the earlobe will just stick itself back to the area and heal perfectly.  Other times it will not.  If after a few months the earlobe is still detached, then it is reasonable to have it surgically reattached.  In my practice this would take 15 minutes to perform and the stitches would remain in place for 1 - 1 1/2 weeks.  There really is not significant downtime or pain that would require prescription medication.  Hope this was helpful to you. Best of luck to you!

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

It is difficult to assess your situation without pictures.  I would suggest you follow up with your operating surgeon for evaluation.  If surgical repair is needed it is a very minor procedure which can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.  Good Luck

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Usually, mildly detached earlobes will heal quite well. Surgical intervention is usually not required. Discuss with your surgeon!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The wound will heal in time but may not lead to the best scar.  I would rather repair it with sutures for the best longterm result.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

If there is a little gap in the skin between the earlobe and cheek after a mini-lift, it will heal on its own.  If there is a wide space between your earlobe and cheek and this looks completely different from before surgery, it will not correct itself.  I would wait 4 weeks after surgery before considering correcting this issue after a mini-lift.I hope this helps.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

Earlobe detachment are common after any type of facelift procedure. The most important thing to do as If you leave the earlobe alone, it will re-attach itself. The more you pick it up, the more you will continue to detach it. If this does not resolve in 1-2 moths after surgery, then it can be re-attached.Hope that this helps,Dr. Gus DiazDouble Board Certified in Faciaqal Pastic Surgery

Sheldon S. Kabaker, MD FACS (retired) · Answer

Without a picture it is impossible to evaluate and advise...............................................

I had mini face lift a month ago. My earlobe is detached

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