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

Question

and should I leave the scabs or try to take them off with Neosporin and a q tip.

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

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

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.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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

Sunny Park, MD, MPH · Answer

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.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Scabbing after surgery

Answer: Scabbing after surgery

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

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

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Scabbing after surgery

Answer: Scabbing after surgery

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

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

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.