I had both of my ear pierced & it left with slanted holes. Is there a surgery or treatment to close the small ear holes? (photo)

Question

I had both regular ear peircings and very small gauges that I took out and they healed perfectly. They left ugly little slant holes though is the easiest way to explain them and I want them gone so my ear looks like it was never pierced.

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

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and the photos.  We typically do this procedure in our office under local anesthesia.  We usually close the incision in layers to take the tension off of the incision.  This usually leads to a nicer incision line.  Please call the office for more details and the current costs.  Costs will typically depend on the complexity,  and how much time, the procedure will take.  Costs will vary from city to city.  We usually have our patients wait 3 months before re-piercing the earlobe, and re-pierce it 3 mm from the repair.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist (ENT).  They will help you make a plan to achieve your goals.
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Your small gauged ear lobe piercings may be closed with a short procedure performed with a local anesthetic in the office setting. The closure will leave you with small scars, so unfortunately your desire to have your ears appear as though they were never pierced may not be able to be met. However, it is most likely that the small scars left behind from the closure will be an improvement from your current piercings. Thanks for sharing!

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible repair holes in the earlobe that are undesirable. In addition if an earring pulls through the earlobe completely, this can be repaired. There are more and more people who have stretched ear lobes due to placing gauges, which is a popular trend.  Later in life because of work and starting a professional career people are requesting to have the earlobes repaired.

Gregory J. Vipond, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you have pierced your earlobe and the hole has stretched, or if the piercing was not in the correct location, it is fairly straight-forward to treat. Typically, this involves an office procedure with local anesthesia where the enlarged piercing is carefully sutured together. If done properly, the ear lobe heals extremely well and the ears can be pierced in the future, if desired.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The earring hold can be closed but there will always be a scar in the location that the ear piercing was performed.  Scars are permanent there is no magic wand to make them disappear. Sorry.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Yes. The piercings can be closed. This typically leaves a small scar that heals very nicely. Usually, since the earlobe is not torn, the lobe does not need to be completely cut. However, if the piercing hole is very close to the margin of the earlobe occasionally we need to cut through the outer edge for the best type of repair. Seek an in person consultation to learn exactly what would be most helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have a procedure to close the holes. Basically the plastic surgeon will cut out the skin on the inner portion of the hole to create raw tissue. Next, the whole will be sutured closed.I recommend you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to further discuss treatment.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

You cannot have and incision without leaving a scar however, the earlobe heals up very well. The procedure starts with a numbing injection to the area, followed by the excision of the inner edges of the tear or elongated piercing, then the incision will be closed with a few stitches. The stitches are removed in 5 days and you can re-pierce the ear in 2-3 months.Dean Vistnes.

I had both of my ear pierced & it left with slanted holes. Is there a surgery or treatment to close the small ear holes? (photo)

Answers (9)

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