I've had the back of an earring embedded in my left ear lobe for over 10years. What will have to be done to have it removed?

Question

I've had the back of an earring stuck in my left ear lobe for over 10years... I know that's crazy, I was young when I had my ears pierced, and didn't realize my ears were getting infected until after my earrings became imbedded... I have a very low tolerance for pain so I was only able to get earring back out. I've had the other earring back in my left ear stuck since and I'm wondering what will need to be done to have it removed? I'm terrified!!! will my ear lobe have to be cut off?

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

It should be easy to place some local anesthetic in this earlobe and remove the embedded piece. Your earlobe should not need to be removed. It is likely this can be done with a minor in office procedure without much down time or expense.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multi-layered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not as uncommon as you might think. I've performed removal of embedded earring backs from earlobes many times.  It is typically straightforward, requiring a small incision on the back of the earlobe, which can be done under local anesthesia in the clinic.  Good luck!

Andrew G. Silver, MD · Answer

These sort of things can happen - you are not alone!The good news is that this can be done in the office with only a local anesthetic. Aside from the numbing shot, you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure. Also, there is no need to remove your earlobe!hope this helps.dr. silver

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

Fortunately your earlobe does not need to be removed, and in fact the scarring and associated discomfort should be minimal.  The affected earlobe can be injected with local anesthetic and the retained earring identified and removed through a small incision.  There will be a few stitches removed a week later.  The entire procedure will likely take 30 minutes or less in the office.  Best of luck.

I've had the back of an earring embedded in my left ear lobe for over 10years. What will have to be done to have it removed?

Answers (10)

Answer: Shouldn't be too tough!

Answer: Shouldn't be too tough!

Answer: Surgical Removal Embedded Earring

Answer: Surgical Removal Embedded Earring

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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

I've had the back of an earring embedded in my left ear lobe for over 10years. What will have to be done to have it removed?

Answers (10)

Answer: Shouldn't be too tough!

Answer: Shouldn't be too tough!

Answer: Surgical Removal Embedded Earring

Answer: Surgical Removal Embedded Earring

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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