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