I got my once gauged ears sewn up yesterday and there seems to be a ongoing amount of bleeding in one ear. Is it normal? (Photo)

Question

The surgeon stitched the right ear up but took it out and redid it. So I'm assuming the stitch that he took out is what's bleeding. But it's been ongoing since yesterday. And it clots up sometimes leaving a mess. Is it okay? Could it be something else? How do I slow down or stop the bleeding ?

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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  I would recommend applying pressure to the soft tissues of your earlobe.  Place your right earlobe between your thumb and forefinger and gently squeeze the tissues for 5-10 minutes.  If this does not work, try it one more time before revisiting your surgeons office.  Hope this helps.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would try holding some pressure on your earlobe with the bleeding after the repair of your gauged ears.  Just put your thumb behind the earlobe and a finger in front of it and hold it for about 5 minutes.  This should help to stop the bleeding.  If you find the bleeding is not stopping with this maneuver, you should contact the surgeon who performed your procedure.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Bleeding can generally be controlled with pressure.  The earlobe should be re-evaluated by your surgeon.

Peter Kreymerman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Mild bleeding is not unusual as the ear is very vascular. Just pinch the earlobe with two fingers for approximately 10 minutes. This should stop the bleeding. If it doesn't, then repeat until it does.

I got my once gauged ears sewn up yesterday and there seems to be a ongoing amount of bleeding in one ear. Is it normal? (Photo)

Answers (5)

More Earlobe Repair Questions

Can keloid scarring be avoided after ear lobe reconstruction?

What would it cost to have my stretched (normal) ear piercing repaired? (Photo)

Does insurance pay for earlobe surgery?

Earlobe damage: How long after getting stitches can I exercise?

My ear piercing has expanded due to heavy earrings. How can I get it closed?

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

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS