I just had earlobe repair/reconstruction yesterday and scabs started to form the same day of surgery. Is this normal?

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

I would recommend leaving the scabs that have formed after your earlobe repair alone.  I would also recommend contacting the surgeon who performed the procedure to ask your question.  It is possible your surgeon may want you to leave them alone or to try cleaning them with something like hydrogen peroxide.  The type of suture used could influence the decision.  

Yes, slight blood clots can form and dry up on the same day as surgery. Leave these alone unless instructed differently from your surgeon

Formation of scabs is normal after surgery, even the first day.  I usually have my patients clean the incision area with hydrogen peroxide and apply vaseline twice a day; this regimen of cleaning may be somewhat different amongst surgeons.  I recommend that you follow up with you surgeon.

Hello Lunahh,It is normal to start seeing scabs the same day.  If I don't apply a bandage for the week, I have my patients clean their incisions mulitple times a day with hydrgeon peroxide and keep them moist with bacitracin ointment.  I hope that helps and good luck.  

This is very normal after a surgical procedure.  I would suggest not removing the scab until you are seen by your surgeon or discuss your concerns.  Every surgeon will have a post-procedure protocol that is set up to ensure their patients recover without complications.   

Thank you for your question. Very normal to have scabs starting to form that early. The ear is a very vascular structure and quite often once the local anesthetic has worn off tends to 'ooze' a little shortly after surgery. The scabs will come off on their own as long as you are keeping it nice and moist with antibiotic ointment. Moisture is going to be your best friend and try to not let it dry out. Hope this helps! Dr. Miguel

i think the best thing to do is to clean the incisions with dilute hydrogen peroxide and apply bacitracin twice per day. you can also shower and wash your hair. the scabs will gradually come off on their own. don't pick at them. they should heal fine.