Would I be a good candidate for earlobe surgery/piercing removal? (photos)

Question

Hello, I have an issue with my ear piercings: when I am wearing earrings they are angled away from my face from head-on. When I am wearing hoop earrings this makes my round face appear rounder. If I am wearing earrings with crystals, you can’t see them properly unless I turn my head. Would I be a good candidate to have the piercing surgically removed and then re-pierced so that earrings sit more flatteringly in my ears? Thank you

Julia Spears, MD · Answer

Hello. You can have your earlobes repaired. Most surgeons do this procedure in the office. The cost is approximately $500 to $100 per ear. This procedure can fix a split lobe or stretched and enlarged piercing holes. After you are fully healed from the procedure you can have your earlobes re-pierced. 
Best of luck! 
Dr. Julia Spears MD

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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 multilayered 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.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

We see a variety of earlobe -piercing issues. The most common involves enlarged piercing holes whicch do not hold earrings securely in place. The second problem is a complete tear where the enlarging hole completely pulls apart the edge of the earlobe resulting in a 'v' shaped defect. Both of these conditions are easily repaired with an in-office procedure.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question and helpful photos.  You could certainly have the current holes removed with a small punch biopsy instrument and sewn back closed.  They usually heal very nicely if done by a board certified dermatologist and it does not take long to do the minor procedure with a little local injection of lidocaine.  You will want to let them heal completely before pursuing re-piercing, but I think you are a good candidate for something like that.  Best of luck!

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

Based on your pictures and description, it appears you could do well with an earlobe revision.  Follow your surgeons instruction and timing before re-piercing.

Would I be a good candidate for earlobe surgery/piercing removal? (photos)

Answers (5)

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