How long does it take for the scar line to fade after earlobe reconstruction surgery?

Question

I had earlobe reconstructive surgery . Its been about 4-5 weeks and the scar line still hasn't really disappeared. How long does it usually take?

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
Realself100 surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Normally most scars fade at around 6 months and it really depends on how well and how fast your skin type heals and how fast the pigment goes away.  Be patient, it will fade by 6 months.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Hi...your ear lobe repair is still quite fresh, and your scars are far from completely healed.  The wound should have substantial changes and improvement after 3-6 months, but will only approach it's fully healed appearance after one or even two years.  I wish you the best!

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

4-5 weeks after ear lobe surgery is not very long!Expect your scar to fade quite a bit over the next 6 months. You will see your final scar appearance at one year after your procedure. Massaging of the scar may help soften it up a bit sooner. Thanks for sharing!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about ear lobe surgery.In general, it takes about 3 months for this scar to fade.  A little longer in some individuals.

To be sure, see two or more experienced, licensed
and board-certified providers for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a
good candidate and that it is safe for you to have the procedure.

I hope this helps.

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

Each person is somewhat different depending on their skin type, procedure performed and post-operative care.Generally speaking, it takes 6-12 months.

Andrew Elkwood, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  Scars from any procedure mature on their own timeline.  Generally it takes up to a year for a scar to fully mature and flatten.  However, a scar will never fully disappear, but the appearance will improve over time.  If you have concerns as to how the scar is healing, it is recommended to follow-up with your board certified Plastic Surgeon.  Good luck with everything!

Renee Burke, MD · Answer

In my practice we stress to patients that scars can take a full year to heal. It is important that you as a patient do everything possible to protect the scar. I suggest using sunscreen over the incision, starting a medical grade scar guard, and massaging the scar to prevent scar tissue from building up.

Stephanie Power, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

At 4-5 weeks your scars are still quite immature.  Scar remodelling continues for one year post-operatively, meaning that your scars will continue to soften, fade, and become more subtle in appearance over this time period.  I recommend scar massage several times daily - which may help soften the underlying scar - as well as sunscreen (SPF 15) to minimize UV exposure as the scar fades.If you have any concerns regarding significant scar thickening or itchiness, I recommend following up with your surgeon for reassessment on an urgent basis.  There is a low but potential risk of keloid scarring, which may require further treatment (most commonly steroid injections).  Keloids are abnormally thick scars that extend beyond the original wound margins.  They are more common in patients of African American or Asian background, however may occur in all patients.  When they occur, the earlobe is a common site.  This does not sound like a concern in your case, but just something for others to watch out for following earlobe surgery.Best, Stephanie Power MD, FRCSC

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Scars will generally improve in appearance as they “mature” over the course of several months and even years. Keep in mind that they will never “disappear”. Make sure that you are following up with your plastic surgeon who will be in the best position to make sure that you are healing normally. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

How long does it take for the scar line to fade after earlobe reconstruction surgery?

Answers (12)

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