1 week PO. Did my ear lobe repair go wrong? Will it look better in a month or always look like I have two ear lobes? (photos)

Question

I had my stretched ear lobes repaired on 5/14. I had the stitches removed 5/21. I expressed my concern to the surgeon about the appearance. I knew it wouldn't be perfect but there is a gap at the end of one lobe and it looks like it is splitting apart. He said the skin is tight and the scaring will loosen up and everything will look fine in a month. Is this the case? Is it going to look like I have two ear lobes? Or will the skin loosen up and look like one ear lobe?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your unanticipated current results.  Based on your pictures I do think you will see some improvement with time and would recommend waiting at least 3 months before assessing your long-term appearance.  If at that time there is still tissue irregularity then seek out a revision from a specialist.  Hope this helps.

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Stretched earlobe repairs are difficult due to the inherent laxity of the tissue following stretching as well as the resulting thin tissue. Furthermore, scarring is variable in all types of repairs and the ultimate result can be a bit unpredictable. While I do see the area you are concerned about, I would wait 6-12 weeks prior to undergoing any scar revision in order to let the scar mature enough to see a final result.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

At one week postoperative it is too early to tell exactly how the healing will transpire. It is a bit concerning by the photo of the left ear although this could be secondary to some excessive swelling. Follow carefully your surgeons postoperative instructions. He or she may recommend massaging, usually starting around four or five weeks postoperatively. There is always a possibility for a need for revision. The rim of the ear lobe usually requires attention when being repaired if one wishes to create a pleasing border to the earlobe.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for the question.
You are still in the early stages of wound healing which can take up to 1 year to be fully completed. For now I would focus on conservative scar management.
I suggest that you discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos you provided. You have a significant amount of swelling in the surgical area. Make sure you ask your doctor if it is OK to massage the ear and take an over the counter anti-inflammatory. If you are healthy, have a high protein diet your ear lobe should heal fine. Good luck

Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You should give your body 3 months to heal before evaluating final results from a surgery. If at 3 months post op you still have concerns regarding the outcome of your procedure, you should talk to your surgeon about a revision. Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo! I suggest waiting the full 3 months to heal before making any decisions.  Best of luck!Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certified 
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago 
Hoffman Estates 
Orland Park
Oakbrook

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still a bit too early to know exactly what your final results will look like after stretched earlobe repair. However, I do see the areas that concern you. I have a feeling that you will likely need a small revisional procedure to help realign the edge of the earlobes where there is a mismatch. Wait at least another month before undergoing a revision. Thanks for sharing, and best of luck to you!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would recommend waiting at least a month to have a better idea of the results from your earlobe repair.  There would still be some expected swelling present 1 week after the procedure, and this will affect the appearance.  If there is still some deformity present after a month or so, it may be possible to have a minor revision to provide more improvement.