Which procedure options do I have to correct my earlobe? Revision was done 9 months ago (photos)

Question

I had stretched earlobe and had a procedure to fix the hole. One ear was left a strange shape so the same doctor performed revision 2 days later. But the skin was pulled to acheive a normal shape, and it was left deformed. I had revision surgery from another surgeon 1 year later (9 months ago) but it didnt heal flat and also the lobe is smaller than my other ear. What can i do to fix it? Could treatments like laser or microneedling help the deep divide between sides of the lobe?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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
Realself100 surgeon

George Volpe, MD · Answer

It is hard to determine by your question as to what the exact concern is but if it is the depressed scar, often this can be accomplished with a scar revision. If it is the overall shape of your ear lobe, this may be more difficult, especially as you have had two previous surgeries. A good consultation with a careful plastic surgeon can help you determine the best course of action. If you genetically make scars that like to contract and cause a groove in your ear lobe, your surgeon may have you embark on vigorous postoperative massage starting three or four weeks following your procedure. Follow the instructions of your surgeon carefully. Remember, improvement is expected although perfection may be elusive.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

I recommend using scar therapy including laser, compression (magnetic earring), and silicone tape; a small amount (very small) of filler or fat may help your lobe contour and volume; it can take 18 months or more for scar tissue to mature and relax to point that the distortion it imposes on soft tissues has reached its lowest capacity to cause an effect, especially for small structures like the earlobe.

Which procedure options do I have to correct my earlobe? Revision was done 9 months ago (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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Which procedure options do I have to correct my earlobe? Revision was done 9 months ago (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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