My 7 yr old daughter's earring holes are too large. What to do?

Question

I removed my 7 yr old daughter's earrings tonight and noticed the holes look really large. She was pierced about 1.5 yrs ago. In that time, we've only changed here earrings about 3 or 4 times. The piercings don't look infected or red. But the large holes have me worried. I left her piercings open tonight. Will these shrink over time? Should I leave her ears open and let them try to close up? I don't want to make them worse.

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

Definitely leave the earrings out for 6-8 weeks.  If the hole does not contract I would wait until she is older to close and repierce.  I have 3 daughters and think 9-10 is a better (more compliant) age.  If the holes do shrink try to avoid heavy earrings.  Jane

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

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Earlobe repair is a very common procedure. Frequently, we have patients who will have the procedure done the same day as the consultation. Typically, the cost is between $450-850 per earlobe, depending on the severity and the length of the procedure.You may be able to find a doctor who will do this under insurance but i am not aware of any.The length of time the ears have been gauged should have no effect on the procedure. As long as the tissue is no longer irritated or inflamed, there is no reason not to give it a try. Gauged ears are sometimes more difficult than some other earlobe repairs since the tissue is so over stretched, but we are still able to create a natural looking earlobe. You can get your ear re pierced about 6 weeks after and should be included in the pricing. Shop around in your area and see if you can find a plastic surgeon in your budget

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

i would wait several weeks.  young girls piercings frequently close up almost too easilyjust give it some time for now

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that the wide earring holes will close or narrow on their own.However it is best to leave the ear in piercings alone for at least a few months and then reevaluate.  Please read below some of the instructions I give to my own patients that might help them avoid stretching out the earlobe piercings.RegardsDr. JINSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING EARLOBE REPAIR

1. Keep the earlobe clean by using
cotton balls soaked in hydrogen peroxide three times a day. Then apply over the
counter antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin, Polysporin, Triple antibiotic
cream or Neosporin.

2. Return in one week to have the
sutures removed.

3. Three weeks after surgery you
can start wearing light clip on ear rings.

4. Six weeks after surgery you can
get your ears pierced.

4. Wear only nickel free jewelry.

5. Do not wear any heavy ear rings,

6. Ear rings should be the last
thing you put on before your leave the house and the first thing you take off
when you get in the house.

7. Do not use the phone for
prolonged periods of time or take the ear rings out.

8. Do not use pull over shirts or
sweaters while wearing the ear rings.

9. Take off the ear rings at night.

My 7 yr old daughter's earring holes are too large. What to do?

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Answer: Earlobe piercing holes are too large

Answer: Earlobe piercing holes are too large

Answer: Wide earring holes

Answer: Wide earring holes

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My 7 yr old daughter's earring holes are too large. What to do?

Answers (9)

Answer: Earlobe piercing holes are too large

Answer: Earlobe piercing holes are too large

Answer: Wide earring holes

Answer: Wide earring holes

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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.