Will wearing a larger gauge earring completely tear a ripped ear lobe?

Question

My ear lobe ripped almost completely through when I was about 6 years old. I am 22 now, and I have stretched my other ear to a size 12 gauge so that I can wear matching earring without the other one drooping. I though a 12 gauge would be big enough to fill the tear, but it's not. If I were to try a 10 gauge, would that cause the torn piercing to tear all the way through even if it is big enough for the 10 gauge to fit without stretching it anymore?

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Torn earlobes are a common phenomenon when large gauge piercings are pushed beyond what is tolerable by the thin, fragile earlobe skin. while it is possible to continue stretching and expanding the skin, eventually it will give completely and a tear will result. It may be more beneficial to repair your stretched earlobe with a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon prior to undergoing any other piercings or gauge changes.

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

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

I believe this would take an in person formal consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to fully assess your options and risks.

Will wearing a larger gauge earring completely tear a ripped ear lobe?

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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Will wearing a larger gauge earring completely tear a ripped ear lobe?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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