Does Restylane Thicken Earlobe Skin So I Can Keep Stretching/Dauging my Ears?

Question

I've been stretching/gauging my ears for quite some time. A few years back my left ear split completely. I had surgery to fix it, I waited the full year to get it peirced and then another full year before I started stretching it again. But now that it's getting up to size with my other ear its seeming a little thin. I'm wondering if a restylane injection would possibly increase the skin in my earlobe? If not is there any sort of injection or procedure that I may benefit from? Thanks in advance

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi sfo.  It's unlikely that Restylane or any other filler will help you achieve your goal of continuing to stretch your earlobe further.  

	Although dermal fillers can be used to augment tissue that has lost volume, the primary purpose is not to strengthen the tissue, which is what you are looking for.  We would suggest you stop stretching the earlobe vs. trying to use a filler to strengthen it.

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, fillers such as restylane and juvederm are excellent choices for augmenting earlobes. They typically last 9 - 15 months and are easy to use. While this will not actually increase the amount of skin, it will expand it and therefore give you a nice result.

The other option to look at is the size of the other earlobe - that is, it may in fact need to reduced.

The other option to look at is the size of the other earlobe - that is, it may in fact need to reduced.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Sure, Restylane is great for plumping up the earlobe. The reason your earlobe split is that you are abusing the earlobe and stressing the blood supply to this tissue. Eventually the earlobe at its most dependent part will give away as there is not enough blood circulating in this location to sustain the tissue where it is being stressed by your manipulation. In fact filling this thin spot with Restylane may choke off the last little bit of circulation in this tissue and hasten its breakdown. I predict that you will figure this out and ultimately realize that your earlobe cant support what you are trying to accomplish.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I use Restylane commonly for earlobe rejuvenation. Your idea is sound and may work well. The stretching may continue though over the years and eventually you may need an earlobe revision to support earrings without them tearing through. There are several different techniques to repair torn earlobes but for now the filler, Restylane may provide the necessary support you need.

Ben Behnam, MD · Answer

Hello. I read all the above comments and thought about this carefully. I routinely inject Restylane in earlobes to make them plumper and it works great. However if I understand the question correctly, injecting Restylane into the earlobe will not make you stretch it more. Dr. Behnam.

Does Restylane Thicken Earlobe Skin So I Can Keep Stretching/Dauging my Ears?

Answers (5)