My second piercing on my left earlobe has been split. Can I go to the hospital to get stitches to repair it? (Photo)

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

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

The only reason to go to an ER or urgent care center (or your primary care doc) is if you suspect an infection (redness/tenderness/drainage) for antibiotics.  Otherwise, I would let this settle down for at least 4-6 weeks following the injury (3-6 months even better), and then have a board-certified plastic surgeon excise the area as a wedge, and the repair it in layers as a front-to-back wrap-around incision under local anesthesia.  If you want it re-pierced in the same area, you usually have to wait at least 3 months for that to fully heal (and I would have the same surgeon do it, often included in the original repair fee . . . )  Good luck! 

A torn earlobe is best treated in the office of a Facial Plastic or Plastic Surgeon who should be able to treat it under local anesthesia.  An ER or hospital may not be the best choice and may result in a less than desirable scar.  After earlobe repair the ears can usually be pierced at a later date, typically 6-8 weeks later.

No need to go to the hospital. Best option is for it to settle down a little and then find a plastic surgeon to repair this for you. It will take a small amount of time and local anesthetic to fix this. Take a break from earrings for about a year on that side, and then you can consider re-piercing.

Thank you for you sharing your question and photos. Split earlobes are very common, however I would not advise going to the emergency room solely for the repair. Instead, I recommend seeing a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who will be able to elegantly bring the skin back together under local anesthesia.

Unfortunately the earlobe will need fresh surfaces for it to be sewn together and heal. This is usually not something that the emergency department will repair so I would recommend contacting a couple of plastic surgery practices in your area to see what they would charge to repair this for you. It is usually a relatively simple procedure that you can have done in the office with local anesthetic. 

Thank you for your question and picture.  Don't go to the ER.  You cannot just stitch it.  It needs to be repaired properly and then re-pierced later.  It's a quick procedure in the office to fix it.

Hello Princess_AB,This may be a little late, but if you went to a hospital they would not likely treat that.  The reason is it is not an urgent issue and there is no consequence other than cosmetic for not being repaired.  They would likely just refer you to someone in the community for later repair.  The treatment is to close your original piercing and then pierce your ear in a new location.  I hope this helps and good luck.  

Thank you for your question.Stitches alone will not solve the problem as skin  has grown into the split.Going to the ER for this problem is not your best option.Try a qualified plastic surgeon who will remove the skin in the split and then repair it in separate layers.You can get the earlobe re-pierced in the future when your plastic surgeon gives the okay. He/she will likely have you avoid being too closed to the repaired area.Good luck!