Are my sutures supposed to look like this and will it heal imperceptibly with this technique?

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

How long does it take to heal?

Early healing for #earlobeReduction occurs in the first week. I use dissolving sutures. I don’t use any bandages.There are always
asymmetries before and after surgery although I always try to make the two
sides as even as is possible. Scars are
generally well hidden and may have a small amount of redness that can persist for several weeks or months.
These can be treated with scar creams and laser treatments. Re-piercing can be done 3 to 6 weeks after
surgery. Swelling is usually significant in the first several weeks and some
can persist for a few months but this is not as common.

It is normal to have a decent amount of swelling after earlobe repair at 2 days post-operatively. I imagine you will go on to have a nice result. Thanks for sharing!

 It looks like the edges were everted well, but the sutures are very visible. I think given time this will settle out nicely.Good luck! 

Although scars take months to years to remodel and heal they are rarely imperceptible unless placed in areas which are not not visible. Results are often improved after sutures are removed.Please use this information when consulting in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

Looks like mattress sutures were placed to evert the skin edges.  This actually helps wound healing and skin closure.  The puckering should level out over the next several weeks

Thank you for your question.  You are still very early after the procedure and swelling, redness, and tenderness is normal.  It looks like the technique used was to "evert" the skin edges so that when they heal they will fall flat.  I would give it some more time and make sure you have regular follow up.  Good luck, Dr. Bublik

The ears look pretty much how they should at this point in time. They will soften as the swelling goes down and likely be less puckered when the sutures are removed. Good luck.