How can I prevent thin spots on my stretched ears? (photo)

Question

I just ordered a kit to stretch my ears. I got them pierced when I was very young at a Walmart, and i think one is uneven and may result in a thin spot on my lobe upon stretching. I've left earrings out for months throughout my life, but they have never closed up. What can i do to prevent this thinning? is there anything i can do before starting to prevent this? <3 thanks.

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

Thinning ear lobes can contribute to an aged look.  The volume of the lobe is lost as we age, much like the loss of volume in the face.  This volume can be replaced with fillers or by fat grafting to the ear lobe.  This can easily be done in the office with little or no down time.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Short of closing your piercing and re-piercing your lobes in an optimal position, there is nothing you can do. Your lobes will stretch in every direction and if the piercing is located too low you will wind up with a thin area or the earlobe margin might even blow out. Considering how many stretched lobes I repair, I'd recommend against even stretching your lobes. However, if you're set on doing that you should consider stretching your lobes slowly and if you start to see thinning, stop at that point. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

How can I prevent thin spots on my stretched ears? (photo)

Answers (2)