I have a possible small tear in my lobe piercing - what should I do?

Question

I have continually noticed a pain in my main lobe piercing - just slight when pulled or when putting in/taking out earrings. I usually wear small/medium size studs but occasionally wear lightweight dangle or heavier studs. When I took my stud out the ear bled a decent amount. I did some research and some experimentation and I think I may have ripped a small tear. It's not quite noticeable by eye but I notice the earring moves around in that piercing more than it's opposite. What should I do?

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

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

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in earlobe surgery and most earlobe tears can be corrected with a quick outpatient clinic procedure using layered closure techniques. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSLos Angeles

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Since you had some bleeding when removing the stud from your earlobe, I would recommend cleaning it with water and not wearing any earrings for a week or so.  If there is a tear after it has healed, it would need to be repaired surgically.  This is a simple procedure that can be done in a surgeon's office.  Most facial plastic surgeons or plastic surgeons would be able to perform such a procedure.

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

It does sound as though you had a small tear or injury.  Before signing up for any surgical repair, allow the area to heal in a protected manner.  It may be wise to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to further evaluate the injury, but most likely you will not need to rush into surgery.  If a revision is required, the procedures are done in my office under local anesthesia only and is tolerated very well.  Wish you all the best.Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS
Wirth Plastic Surgery
Wirthplasticsurgery.com

Andrea Hui Austin, MD · Answer

Hi there - it does sound like you may have caused a small tear. I recommend allowing your ear lobe to heal - moisturize it with an ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor several times a day. After 2-3 weeks, you can put the stud back in and allow it to heal around that - another 4 weeks at least, with daily moisturizing. If it seems like the tear is permanent and it has elongated your earring hole, the hole can be repaired by a reputable dermatologist or plastic surgeon. I hope this helps!

Howard N. Robinson, MD (retired) · Answer

Leave it alone and let it
heal.  Do not wear an earring until it is completely healed.  If the
hole is too large to accommodate an earing then it will need to be corrected
surgically.

I have a possible small tear in my lobe piercing - what should I do?

Answers (6)

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