My earlobe has detached a second time. I'm allergic to Polysporin, do you have any suggestions for wound care? (Photos)

Question

I had a facelift/neck lift 3 weeks ago. My right earlobe suture came out last Wednesday, my Dr stitched my whole ear up again, removed the stitches approx 5 days later, this Wed & today (Sat) after showering my lobe was bleeding and is not attached any better. I don't smoke, no issues that would effect healing. Problem, wound care, I had a bad reaction to Polysporin so am asking for suggestions for wound care and how to get this ear to heal as fast as possible. Just use Vaseline?

Adam D. Stein, MD · Answer

This is a not very uncommon complication of facelift surgery. Although following your surgeon's recommendations is always best, when this occasionally occurs in my practice, the direction I give to my patients is "leave it alone". The common tendency is for patients to check every day if it is attached or they apply antibiotic ointment and clean with peroxide. All of these things prevent the wound from healing back together.  Each time you manipulate the earlobe it pulls the healing attachments apart. Just do nothing and it will heal on its own. Obviously if there are signs of infection that could require antibiotics and you should speak with your surgeon about that. After it is completely healed a minor local anesthetic procedure can fix the appearance if it does not look right.  Often time it heals up fine and nothing is required. Good luck.

Dimitrios Motakis, MD, PhD, FRCSC · Answer

I would recommend using Vaseline or Fucidin if you are not allergic to it. I would leave the incision to heal as it is likely that the lobe will slowly reattach. However, if that does not happen, a small revision to reattach your lobe may be necessary a few months later. I hope this helps.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

There are different antibiotic treatments you can use except from Polysporin . You should ask your Doctor to prescribe an alternate medication.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

At this point in your recovery I recommend keeping the area moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor,  two to three times per day.  You are not well healed enough at this time to consider revising it as the tissue is still too inflamed for sutures.  Allow it to heal and let your surgeon reassure you. Best.

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Congratulations on having a facelift.  This is a wonderful procedure, and can give you a natural and long-lasting result.  Based on your description and the pictures you have posted, you should be okay to use Vaseline or petrolaum jelly to cover this lobule area.  This area should heal with time, and I would be sure to follow up with your surgeon just as he/she has instructed.  Also, let your surgeon know about this dehiscence at the lobule, as well. I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Not to worry. Your earlobe will heal on its own. You can use a variety of different products, including aquaphor, bactroban and vaseline. Patients who are allergic to polysporin or bacitracin are usually allergic to sulfa. Follow your surgeon's instructions and you will do fine.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Detached earlobe after a facelift can occur, especially if deep sutures were not placed.  About 10% of the population has allergic reaction to antibiotic gels and even vaseline.  Pick a product you have used before to be safe.  Often times if the surgeon tries to reattach an earlobe early on, it is not successful as the skin is in an inflammatory state and may not hold sutures.  Typically waiting for a period of weeks and than placing sutures if necessary is more likely to be successful.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

I would recommend Aquaphor or Vaseline to keep the area protected while it heals rather than an antibiotic ointment.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

I would speak with your surgeon about their specific recommendations. In my office, I would recommend bacitracin, Vaseline, or Aquaphor.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

I would stop the polysporin and begin to use any of the following. Batroban ointment, aquaphor, or vaseline.

My earlobe has detached a second time. I'm allergic to Polysporin, do you have any suggestions for wound care? (Photos)

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