What can I do to correct torn ear lobe? (photos)

Question

i was wearing heavy earrings overnight im bed and woke up to a little blood around the lobe piercing. i took out the earring and found my piercing was slightly stretched will it heal? what can i do?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It can heal. In the “worst cases” otoplasties can be performed to repair the ears or change the shape of it.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and photo. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, and Otolaryngologists, (ENT) take care of facial soft tissue that is damaged. We see piercings go through soft tissue all of the time. These are typically repaired in the office, if needed. Best to reach out, have a consult, and get your questions answered.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe repair is a common procedure in our plastic surgery office. I employ a technique that involves removing the excess scar tissue and reapproximating the tissue planes in multiple layers to recontour the earlobe after gauges, torn earlobes, or stretched out earlobes. Sometimes, the same procedure is used to restore contour to a pixie ear after facelift surgery or facial surgery. Gauge correction is a popular treatment. Insurance typically does not cover the procedure in California, but it all depends on your insurance policy. Costs are typically between six hundred dollars and one thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the repair. Pixie ear repair involves correction of the facelift flap and is a more complex procedure that requires anesthesia. Aftercare for earlobe repair involves proper wound care, Plato’s Scar Serum at least twice daily, with repiercing of the earlobe if requested, in 6 weeks. It is best to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure and help with scars in the post-procedure period. Plato’s Scar Serum, wound care, and Neosporin are used.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Timothy Osborn, MD · Answer

It may heal up on its own. I would avoid using any heavy earrings in the meantime to see if it will fix itself. I would give it at least two weeks before doing anything!  If not, an ear lobe repair is simple and fast.

Anne-Sophie Lessard, MD · Answer

Hello there, it seems that your earlobe stretched a little bit. I would keep it cleaned until it heals to avoid any infection. Then, you can try again your earrings and see if they are not too loose. If your earlobe cannot hold any earrings, you may be a candidate for a earlobe repair, which is a very small procedure done in clinic under local anesthesia (like at the dentist). I hope that help a bit!

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