Two days ago, I accidentally tore my ear lobe. Will I need surgery?

Question

Do I need to have the repair surgery done before the skin has a chance to heal or do I need to wait a couple of days?

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

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Earlobe repair is a very common procedure. Frequently, we have patients who will have the procedure done the same day as the consultation. Typically, the cost is between $450-850 per earlobe, depending on the severity and the length of the procedure. The length of time the ears have been gauged should have no effect on the procedure. As long as the tissue is no longer irritated or inflamed, there is no reason not to give it a try. Gauged ears are sometimes more difficult than some other earlobe repairs since the tissue is so over stretched, but we are still able to create a natural looking earlobe. You can get your ear re pierced about 6 weeks after and should be included in the pricing.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Yes,A torn earlobe needs a small procedure to repair.  The procedure is done under local anesthesia (only the ear lobe is numbed) and takes about 15 minutes.  The sutures are removed 7-10 days later, with the ear safe for re-piercing 4-6 weeks later.  The procedure can be performed anytime.  See the link below for some before and after results.I hope this helps.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

You will require a small procedure to repair your torn earlobe.  Over the next few days your torn ear lobe skin edges will heal, but the edges will not fuse back together on their own. There is no hurry to get this repaired.  I would make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon that fits into your schedule.   Thanks for sharing!

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Your earlobe will not reattach on its own. Let the wound heal. Then you can have the old hole excised and the fresh edges reattached.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

You should let your ear heal. It is possible, yet unlikely, that it will fully repair itself. Usually there is at least a small notch that needs to be repaired. Torn earlobe repair is a straight-forward office procedure that only requires numbing injections and about 30 minutes of your time. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you tore your ear recently, if you let it heal first and have it repaired it is probabaly fine. I repair these all the time. Good luck.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

Timing of earlobe repair depends on how much of a tear, where the tear is located (e.g. involving any ear piercings or not), and the current condition of the earlobe.  Please consult with a specialist who can help you repair this tear aesthetically and functionally.

John Strausser, MD (retired) · Answer

It won't make much of a difference. After two weeks, or two years, the tissues on the edge of the tear will need to be excised and the defect repaired. Probably best to wait until at least 6 weeks after injury when 90% of the healing has occurred. Unless it's repaired within the first 8 hours, delay until the inflammation has subsided is usually advisable.

Two days ago, I accidentally tore my ear lobe. Will I need surgery?

Answers (9)

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