Tragus ripped out, will this heal on its own? (Photo)

Question

I woke up to see my tragus ripped I had it pierced for 8 years and this happened. Will it fix on its own or what can I do about it? How much would it cost ?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

That's an easy fix that should take about ten minutes.  I would charge about $300 to fix it so you should call around to try to get a price quote.  You can email the photos to the doctors to get quotes so you don't need to waste time going on multiple consults.  I have patients email me little stuff like this all the time.

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

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Sktyu,The tragus most likely will not close on its own as it looks like it has already healed in this way. I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon who can fix this for you using local anesthesia. The price ranges depending on the doctor and the location. Best regards, Nima Shemirani

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

No. this will not fix itself.  This needs to be repaired by a qualified surgeon who knows how to fix this.  The cost can vary from surgeon to surgeon and area to area.  I suggest you see a board certified plastic surgeon to have this taken care of.  Hope this helps.  good luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  If this is a fresh injury I would advocate seeing a plastic surgeon for repair of the injury.  If this area has healed on its own from the inside out corrective surgery will be needed to fix the tear.  Hope this helps.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

This will heal without any surgery but will leave a scar and probable irregularity in your tragus. It can be cut out and sutured  to make it look normal again. This is done under local Anastasia and the cost is approximately $2500

Jenifer L. Henderson, MD · Answer

No, this will not heal on it's own, but it can be repaired.  The repair would involve removing the skin lined tract of the original piercing and closing the new freshened edges with sutures.  Not a difficult repair and it has the likelihood of turning out quite nicely.  Good luck!

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Just like a torn earlobe, a torn tragus isn't going to fix itself. However, it's an easy fix in the office with local anesthesia. If you wanted it pierced again, you could probably get that done as well. Good luck.

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Once the edges of the split are healed and covered with skin it will not close back on its own. This would then require a small surgical operation to remove the skin lining the cleft before sewing it back together.
I would advise you to see a suitably trained and qualified plastic surgeon for their advice.
In the UK I estimate that it would cost between 500 and 1000 US dollars depending on who and where you went for surgery. The surgery should be similar in cost to a split earlobe so you could enquire of the office of a plastic surgeon what they would charge for a split ear lobe which is a relatively common procedure.
Best wishes

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon as pricing varies from surgeon to surgeon. Price can range from $400-$800. You will be able to re-pierce your ears 2 months after you have the earlobe repair done. Good luck, Dean Vistnes. 
Vistnes Plastic Surgery San Francisco Bay Area
#realself #drdeanvistnes #earloberepair