I had my gauged ears closed up, should I put Vaseline on the sutures? (Photo)

Question

What is the aftercare for closed gauges?

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Vaseline is an emollient and is typically recommended for facial incisions. Bacitracin ointment, triple antibiotic ointment, or Aquaphor will also work. I typically recommend Vaseline because it is easy to find and cheap and can be continued for 6 weeks or so following the procedure.

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

Jonathan Hall, MD · Answer

I would ask your treating physician.  In my patients I generally recommend Aquaphor ointment 2-3x day applied to the suture line, and the use of gentle soap when showering like Dove or Cetaphil.  In addition, we have been suggesting that patients put a Bandaid back on at night when sleeping for the first 4-6 weeks  The earlobe repair like all incisions  becomes weaker for the first 3 weeks and then starts to regain strength from the 3rd week on, reaching 70 % of the final strength at the 6 week mark.  So if it is pulling back and forth across your pillow then the edges may separate and not heal as well.  I also recommend that my patients avoid significant sun exposure to the scar for up to the first 12 month, because any scar that is pink from normal healing can turn brown when exposed to the sun, especially in my patients that tan easily.  This is called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  
We have gotten away from the routine use of Bacitracin or Neosporin ointment to the suture line because studies show that as many as 20% of patients can develop an allergic reaction to the antibiotics in Bacitracin. Neosporin adds an antifungal, neomycin, which is slightly more prone to this allergic reaction.

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

Different surgeons have various post op protocols but in general application of an ointment to the suture sites is within accepted standards.  I have my patients apply an antibiotic ointment twice daily to the sutures on both the front and back of the ear.  Showering is encouraged to gently remove the old ointment and any dried blood or debris that may accumulate at the sites.  When stitches are removed a week later your surgeon should review with you their personal set of instructions for continued care of the site.  Best of luck.

Kapil Saigal, MD, FACS · Answer

Petroleum-based ointment such as Polysporin, Neosporin or Bacitracin are excellent options for incision and wound care following earlobe repair surgery. Healing time varies but can take up to a month or 6 weeks.  Be sure to discuss your aftercare with your surgeon.  Best of luck to you.

I had my gauged ears closed up, should I put Vaseline on the sutures? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Post op Care for Earlobe Repair

Answer: Post op Care for Earlobe Repair

Answer: After care for earlobe repair

Answer: After care for earlobe repair

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I had my gauged ears closed up, should I put Vaseline on the sutures? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Post op Care for Earlobe Repair

Answer: Post op Care for Earlobe Repair

Answer: After care for earlobe repair

Answer: After care for earlobe repair

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.