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

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.

Jennifer Harrington, MD · Answer

Absolutely! I typically have my patients wait about 8 weeks after the repair before they re-pierce.  I recommend not wearing your earrings to bed, and limit yourself to not wearing the real heavy ones. 

	Best of luck,

	Jennifer L. Harrington MD

	Harrington Plastic Surgery

Gordon Lewis, MD · Answer

You can definitely get your ears re-pierced. I do think some people have skin that is more prone to pulling through and tearing. I think you should wear very light earrings. I let my patients get pierced 6 weeks after the repair. Avoid the actual scar.

Samuel Sohn, MD · Answer

You can safely re-pierce your ears.  I recommend avoiding the previous scar from the repair done 2 years prior.  Go adjacent to the scar for the best look and minimize the risk of recurrence.

David F. LaPatka, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, but I would not repierce in th exact same location since the healed tissue will not be as " strong". I would go no closer the 2mm from the previous location. The " tear " can recurr and depends on the weight of your earrings ( avoid large heavy earrings)

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)

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