My earring hole is red, swollen, and is crusty as well. What should I do? (Photo)

Question

One day I had my earring in and my ear started to hurt so I took out the earring to take a look. It looks like my ear lobe tore a little bit but not a lot. My earlobe tore on my other ear but my plastic surgeon told me to let it heal because it was only a minor tear. When I took the earring out there was a white crust or something around the whole. I haven't really done anything to my ear since, I have just cleaned it with alcohol. What should I do?

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

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hi thanks to share your pic.The pierced area looks red  inflamed and swollen.you have to treat the infection with  topical and  broad spectrum oral  antibiotic coverage .Treat it  immediately to prevent the spread or from developing perichondritis.reconsider ear piercing only after the infection subsides completely.please do seek an in person consultation and get it treated immediately.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You might want to let it heal if it is irritated or torn a bit before putting a new earring back in. Best to be seen in person.

My earring hole is red, swollen, and is crusty as well. What should I do? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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My earring hole is red, swollen, and is crusty as well. What should I do? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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