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

Question

I had my ears pierced nearly 20 years ago (by a mall piercer). One of them is badly angled - high in the back and low in the front, so that earrings point downwards and make my whole earlobe look droopy. Because of the angle, I never wear studs. I've always worn dangly earrings instead, but I'd like to wear studs. Is it safe to get a piercing next to the original? I know there would be some risk of tearing, but how much of a risk?

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

Cory S. Goldberg, BSc, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

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.

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

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.

Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC · Answer

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.

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (8)

Answer: I had my ears pierced nearly 20 years ago

Answer: I had my ears pierced nearly 20 years ago

Answer: Post Operative Instructions

Answer: Post Operative Instructions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (8)

Answer: I had my ears pierced nearly 20 years ago

Answer: I had my ears pierced nearly 20 years ago

Answer: Post Operative Instructions

Answer: Post Operative Instructions

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.