I have a split tragus. Can it be repaired? (Photo)

Question

I was in an abusive relationship with my ex boyfriend a few years back and during an argument he grabbed my ear and ripped the tragus piercing out. Can it be repaired?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is possible to repair this with cosmetic ear surgery. For a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in ear surgery, it is generally a straightforward procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A board certified plastic surgeon can easily repair the split tragus under local anesthesia in his/her office.

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

This split tragus can easily be repaired. Stop aspirin, Then topical and local anesthesia. Refreshen the skin edges. Resect any cartilage exposure and close with small interupted sutures. It's a small specific procedure.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

I'm very sorry to hear about the circumstances of your injury.  Yes, this can be repaired.  It can be done right in the office very quickly.  Probably it would just be an in and out visit with no need for removing stitches as they can be absorbable.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on your photograph, your split tragus can be repaired with a surgical revision in the office.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Leon Goldstein, MD · Answer

A repair could be attempted using skin z-plasty technique or skin advancement as in a face lift procedure. Doubt that the cartilage itself can be sutured closed.Please seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

I have a split tragus. Can it be repaired? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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