Can I get a new piercing right beside badly angled piercing, or does it need to be surgically closed and repierced?

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

If you're still wearing dangly earrings then there's the potential for the tear to progress and pull through. Adding a second piercing would increase this risk. Given that you report your earlobes are droopy, I would suggest doing an excision of the elongated piercing, and then you can repair to wear a stud in about 3 months. This would minimize the risk of tearing and also correct the droopiness.

While you could get a new hole next to your current one, it may be best to get the old one surgically closed and then get it done better after complete healing.

Thank you for your questions.  Without photos, this is very difficult to assess.  It is best to be examined by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best of Luck, Dr. K.

Thank you for your question.
Every plastic surgery office has their own set of pre and post operative instructions that they recommend their patients follow. It is most important to follow the instructions of your surgeon.

Thank you for your questionWithout a picture it is difficult to comment. But yes if you pierce near the old piercing you increase your risk of tearing. You may consider have the old piercing surgically remove/close before a new one!Best WishesDr Genevieve F. Caron, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Montreal, Canada

Earlobe surgery is something I do often and it is a procedure done in the office in about 30 minutes.  I have found that it is difficult to reposition the piercing hole without closing the hole that is either stretched out or in the wrong position.  In some cases a simple closure may be adequate, however sometimes it can be more involved.  Consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon will help get you the exact answers you are looking for.  

This depends on a lot of things, and is best evaluated in person. I fix about 10 earlobes every month, and each situation is a little different. Sometimes the hole needs to be closed, sometimes not. There aren't any good scientific studies to tell you exactly what your risk of tearing would be, so at best you are getting an educated guest. If you do need it repaired, its a pretty quick fix, and is done without the need for general anesthesia. Hope this helps!dr. silver