I got a 3mm stretched ear which I no longer want will the hole go back to normal stud size? (photo)

Question

I was just wondering if my 3mm stretched ear will go back to a normal stud size hole.

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

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and the photos.  Sometimes they will shrink down, but often they need to be repaired.  We typically do this procedure in our office under local anesthesia.  We usually close the incision in layers to take the tension off of the incision.  This usually leads to a nicer incision line.  Please call the office for more details and the current costs.  Costs will typically depend on the complexity,  and how much time, the procedure will take.  Costs will vary from city to city.  We usually have our patients wait 3 months before re-piercing the earlobe, and re-pierce it 3 mm from the repair.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist (ENT).  They will help you make a plan to achieve your goals.
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Earlobe repair is a very common procedure. Frequently, we have patients who will have the procedure done the same day as the consultation. Typically, the cost is between $450-850 per earlobe, depending on the severity and the length of the procedure. The length of time the ears have been gauged should have no effect on the procedure. As long as the tissue is no longer irritated or inflamed, there is no reason not to give it a try. Gauged ears are sometimes more difficult than some other earlobe repairs since the tissue is so over stretched, but we are still able to create a natural looking earlobe. You can get your ear re pierced about 6 weeks after and should be included in the pricing.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The length of time the hole was stretched will determine if it will return to a normal size or not.  For a longstanding gauge, it may need to be excised and re-pierced to return to a normal caliber.  Give it at least a month, and if it does not reduce in size then you can seek out a facial plastic surgeon to repair it.

William Numa, MD, FACS · Answer

It is wise to allow enough time to elapse before committing to any surgical procedures. After 3 to 6 weeks of observation and watchful waiting, you can decide in concert with guidance from your board-certified facial plastic surgeon or board-certified general plastic surgeon if minor office-based surgery is a good choice.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Your stretched earlobe opening of 3mm is fairly small.  I would give your earlobe 2 months and see how much it shrinks. If after 2 months it hasn't become small enough to comfortably wear a stud, then I would meet with a plastic surgeon.  He/she will be able to close this stretched earlobe piercing using a local anesthetic in the office setting.  Pain is minimal, and recovery is easy. Thanks for sharing!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Some shrinkage of the “hole” can be expected; how far it will shrink down is unpredictable.  Time will tell. Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can still shrink with time.  If it doesn't, its a relatively easy office procedure to remove the hole and close the skin.  Shop around as prices will vary considerably by doctor.

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

I would wait. I would expect this to shrink. Circular wounds tend to contract. And as mentioned by the other surgeons, if it doesn't, a quick in office repair will be all that is needed.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible but only time will tell. Do not wear any gauges and wear only very light earrings and see how the piercing contracts. It is possible that it will shrink to a degree that is satisfactory for you. If not, a brief office procedure can be performed to close the heal following by re-piercing in the desired location.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon