What is the safest way to close a new ear lob piercing?

Question

I got a second hole in both ear lobes two days ago. I have decided I don't like it and want to close it without scarring.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.If the ear is recently pierced just taking the earring out should let the hole close naturally, Give it some time. Good luck

Elliot Heller, MD · Answer

Your best bet is to have it close up on its own. It may only take a few days to close since its fairly new . Dont have any surgery to fix it .

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

I would remove your earrings right away.  Often if this is done early on, then the hole will seal on its own.  Otherwise, you may need to re-excise the hole at a later date and repair it.

Mariusz Sapijaszko, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Generally speaking, fresh ear piercing will close with a small dimple if the wound is left alone. I hope that helps.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Small piercings in the ear lobe tend to heal well, without incident, if the stud is promptly removed. Consider waiting 1-3 months before re-piercing. To avoid malposition in the future, you may consider putting a mark with a pen on your lobes so your doctor can see where you would like them placed. Thank you.Dr Joseph

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. If you remove the piercing at this point, only a few days after the piercing has been performed, the opening will close on its own  with minimal scarring.  Best wishes.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello CGPiercing,For a new piercing if you simply take out the earring the hole will close.  As far as healing without scarring anytime a full thickness incision is made in the body it heals with a scar.  Assuming the hole was small for the piercing the scar should be completely negligible. If you have concerns I would recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon.  I hope this helps and good luck.

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

Your best option is to remove the earring right away and give it an opportunity to close on its own. If the hole has already formed up with skin (the tract has epithelialized), then it may need to be treated surgically, but at this early stage you still have an opportunity for it to close on its own.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is likely that if you leave it alone and do not keep the piercing in, the hole will likely close on its own.  It may leave a small scar.

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

Hello,There is a very good chance the piercing will heal shut all on its own if it is only 2 days old.  Simply remove the earring, clean the area a few times per day, followed by application of aquaphor.  The point is to keep the wound free of crusts/scabs/other debris and moist until it has healed over.  A bandaid will help keep the aquaphor in place and your hair from sticking to it.  Certainly if any drainage, swelling, or redness occur, you need to see a doctor.  Scarring is probably unavoidable, however I suspect it will leave just a tiny dot that would only be visible on very close inspection.

What is the safest way to close a new ear lob piercing?

Answers (12)

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