My Earring Got Ripped out 4 Years Ago and I Had Surgery on It Around 2 Years Ago. Can I Get my Lobe Repierced?

Question

My earring got ripped out and I had it stitched back together over 2 years ago (January 2011) I think. I was wondering if I can get my earlobe re pierced?

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

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Yes, you absolutely can. I personally counsel my patients to wait a year after reconstruction for the scar to mature, 6 months if they are really eager. At two years you should be completely safe to do so. I would also recommend placing the new piercing just in front or just behind the old one rather than through the scar as scar tissue is never as strong as normal skin so you run a higher risk of recurrence if you re-pierce the same site. Best of luck!

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

- I tell my patients they may re-pierce their earlobes 6 weeks after their earlobe repair.  You will be fine if it's been a couple years since your repair.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

Yes, we usually like our patients to wait at least 6 months after having an earlobe repair before re-piercing.  Being two years out, it is more than safe to pierce your ears again.  Don't allow someone to pierce over the previous area or a tear may reoccur in the future.  Once pierced it is best to stick with light weight earrings as heavy earrings can cause the another tear.

John F. Reinisch, MD · Answer

Yes, you can get your lobes re-pierced.  It is best to place the new holes in a slightly different spot to avoid the old scar.

My Earring Got Ripped out 4 Years Ago and I Had Surgery on It Around 2 Years Ago. Can I Get my Lobe Repierced?

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Answer: Piercing ears after Earlobe repair

Answer: Piercing ears after Earlobe repair

Answer: Can I Get my Lobe Repierced?

Answer: Can I Get my Lobe Repierced?

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My Earring Got Ripped out 4 Years Ago and I Had Surgery on It Around 2 Years Ago. Can I Get my Lobe Repierced?

Answers (9)

Answer: Piercing ears after Earlobe repair

Answer: Piercing ears after Earlobe repair

Answer: Can I Get my Lobe Repierced?

Answer: Can I Get my Lobe Repierced?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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