My earlobe is torn. Can I fix my left ear?

Question

Hi, I am a 22 year old female. My left ear is damaged in 2 areas. 1. The earlobe is torn. About 6 months ago an earring ripped through the lobe piercing hole. See attached photos. What kind of surgery/ treatment can get my ear lobe looking normal again? 2. About 7 years ago I had a Cartledge piecing that got infected. Now I has a white scar that sticks out. How can this be fixed? Thank you!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is very common to repair torn earlobes due to earrings.  The procedure is relatively simple and can be done in the office.  For some reason, I did not see the attached pictures you mentioned, but it sounds as if the other issue with your ear could simply be repaired as well.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Yes, it is possible to fix a torn earlobe. The procedure is typically performed in your surgeon’s office under local anesthetic. For hypertrophic scarring of your infected piercing, this may also be repaired at the same time. Please seek the expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in cosmetic ear surgery.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

1) Torn Earlobe: If your earlobe has been torn due to a ripped earring, it can often be repaired through a surgical earlobe repair. During this surgery, the surgeon will carefully reposition the tissue and suture the earlobe to achieve a more natural appearance. The scar from the initial tear can be minimized, and the earlobe can be restored to its normal shape.
2) Keloid or Hypertrophic Scar from Cartilage Piercing: If you have a raised, white scar from a previous cartilage piercing that is causing aesthetic concerns, there are several potential treatments. These may include corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, or surgical scar revision, depending on the characteristics of the scar.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. These sound like issues that can be addressed. We typically do this procedure in our office under local anesthesia. We usually close the incision in layers to take the tension off of the incision. This usually leads to a nicer incision line. Please call the office for more details and the current costs. Costs will typically depend on the complexity, and how much time, the procedure will take. Costs will vary from city to city. We usually have our patients wait 3 months before re-piercing the earlobe, and 3 mm from the repair. Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist (ENT). They will help you make a plan to achieve your goals.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

I understand your concerns about your ear. For the torn earlobe, a surgical procedure called earlobe repair can be performed to restore its appearance. This procedure involves removing any excess tissue and suturing the torn edges together. The scar left by the torn earring can often be minimized through this process.

Regarding the white scar from the infected cartilage piercing, it might be possible to improve its appearance through a combination of techniques, such as scar revision surgery and possibly using dermal fillers to help blend the scar with the surrounding tissue.

To determine the best approach for your specific case, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. They can assess your ears and provide you with personalized recommendations for treatment options that will help restore a more natural appearance to your earlobe and address the scar from the previous cartilage piercing.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for the question.
Torn earlobe repair surgery can be easily performed at the office under local anesthesia. The procedure usually takes less than 1 hour and there is minimal discomfort afterwards. The old scar is removed and the skin edges are approximated as accurately as possible to prevent any notching.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, unfortunately I can not see the photos you attached. Usually it is fairly simple to repair an ear lobe after it is torn. We perform our ear lobe repairs in the office with local anesthesia. Patients can take Ibuprifen and Ibuprofen to control post procedural pain.

Your cartilage sounds more like a keloid. If so, I would recommend serial kenalog injections before and after removal. Make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

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 $1000 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. Unfortunately I was not able to see the photos you posted. 
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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Very common and simple problem. Any plastic surgeon could do it. I would call around and get some prices because the quotes could be all over the place.

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