Do most doctors re-pierce the ear after ear lobe repair from elongated piercings?

Question

When I called to get a quote from a local office about ear lobe repair, I was told the doctor repierces the ears for you at a later date so the piercing will go in a desirable location as not to damage what was repaired. When I called back to schedule I was informed that I was told incorrectly about the re-piercing and they do not offer that any longer. Now I am hesitant to get the procedure because I don’t know who I could find to re-pierce my ears in the correct spot. What is common practice?

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. We typically repair the earlobes 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. Some Plastic Surgeons will repierce the ears. We do not, as we like to send them to folks that do this all the time. We have a few places that we like to send our patients. 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

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Julia Spears, MD · Answer

Hello. You can have your earlobes repaired. Most plastic surgeons do this procedure in the office. The cost is approximately $500 to $100 per ear. This procedure can fix a split lobe or stretched and enlarged piercing holes. After you are fully healed from the procedure you can have your earlobes re-pierced. I preform both of these procedures in my office.
Best of luck! 
Dr. Julia Spears MD

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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 multilayered 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.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jacob Sedgh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! We have patients wait 3 months after the earlobe repair to have their ears pierced again. Whether the surgeon does the re-piercing is up to their discretion but we will do it here in the office if our patients request it. If they don’t want to have us re-pierced, they can go to any licensed, experienced piercer to have it done. We wish you the best!

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Once you have had your earlobe surgery to can go to anyone who is experienced in piercing ears.  It doesn't have to be an surgeon.  You  need to wait about 3-6 months before piercing your ears again.  All The Best

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I prefer to re-pierce the earlobes after I have repaired a torn earlobe due to piercing.  I normally do this about 2 months after the repair.  I prefer to do the piercing myself since I know exactly where the repair was done and ideally, I want the re-pierced spot not to be along the repaired line.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Every Surgeon will have some degree of variability in their protocol.  Generally speaking, I allow a 6 week interval between earlobe repair and re-piercing; I do not re-pierce the earlobe at the same time as the repair for the reasons you mentioned above.   The re-piercing is included as part of the package for earlobe repair.  This may vary depending on the Surgeon you see.

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

While I rarely re-pierce earlobes that I have repaired, I know there are some surgeons that do this.  Please make sure you wait a few months before getting the lobes re-pierced in order that quality healing has occurred first. Best wishes. WirthPlasticSurgery.com

Jonathan Hall, MD · Answer

I normally offer to re-pierce the earlobes that I repair.  I prefer to wait 3 months after the repair to allow the typical scars to begin to soften before piercing.  But anyone that is qualified to pierce an ear can do this for you after the appropriate time has passed.

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

In our office we perform the repiercing after repair of a split earlobe, and this is included in the cost for the repair.  This is typically done a minimum of 8 weeks following the initial procedure.  That being said, other practitioners or facilities well versed in ear piercing should be able to perform piercing for you once your ear is adequately healed.

Do most doctors re-pierce the ear after ear lobe repair from elongated piercings?

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