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EARLOBE RECONSTRUCTION
The earlobes are appendages of the ears made of soft skin and a small amount of fatty tissue. When studying the earlobe appearance and anatomy, one is often surprised about the large variation in size, form and shape. Aside from being important for a normal appearance of the ears, the earlobes serve women and men as popular locations for jewelry. Often, the earlobes are pierced to fit various forms of ear ornaments ranging from little studs to larger and heavier items.
A variety of problems may require reconstructive surgery of the earlobes. Earlobe abnormalities may result from hereditary abnormalities, traumatic events, surgical procedures (i.e., for skin cancer treatment) or earlobe changes due to body art. The reconstructive approaches to most of these problems differ and depend on the specific needs of the patient. Often, a creative and artistic eye is helpful in planning these delicate earlobe procedures.
How Can Split/Gauge Earlobes Be Corrected?
Most torn earlobes can be effectively and safely corrected using the delicate surgical repair techniques offered at our Ocala office. The procedure is routinely performed in the office under local anesthesia. After planning and marking, a small amount of lidocaine numbing solution is deposited. The procedure itself is performed without any discomfort. In order to rebuild the earlobe, the healed and scarred aspects of the tear require removal. The most appropriate technique will be discussed with the patient and depends on the specific location of tear and anatomy of the earlobe. Fine suture threads are used to support the repair and minimize scarring. Small amounts of antibiotic ointment are applied at home for a few days ensuring cleanliness. The healed earlobe usually has a barely visible pencil-fine scar line.
EARLOBE SLIT (Enlarged Piercing Hole)
An incomplete tear in the earlobe usually starts at the original piercing site and continues downward for some degree. The result is an earlobe hole too large to hold ear studs. Closure of the enlarged slit-like hole can be performed in the office. A new piercing usually has to be performed but has to wait for approximately 8 weeks.
EARLOBE REDUCTION
Earlobes may be large from birth but commonly get bigger with age. A large earlobe may require substantial ear jewelry for appropriate balance; small studs may appear “lost” within the space of a fleshy earlobe. Large earlobes can be sagging and hang down too far which may benefit from a decrease of the hanging curvature. In other instances, the earlobe is rather fleshy and elongated requiring a decrease of the overall length. An earlobe reduction is performed in the office under local anesthesia with the option of a sedative.
Removal of benign lesions and keloids– This may often develop a result of piercing or trauma and may enlarge over time. This can be removed with a simple in-office procedure. Photos below are before and after – 12 days later, immediately post removal of stitches.
EARLOBE RECONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS
EARLOBE REPAIR PRE-OPERATIVE CARE
- Avoid any fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, etc.) for one week prior to your surgery. If you are on any medications that affect bleeding (such as Coumadin or Warfarin) please notify the office immediately.
- Please refrain from tobacco products and alcohol for 48 hours prior and one week following surgery. Along with delayed wound healing, persistent skin redness and other complications may persist when tobacco and alcohol are not discontinued.
- Please notify us of all routine medications and significant health history. We ask that you remain on your daily medications unless instructed otherwise.
- There are no dietary restrictions before the procedure unless instructed otherwise.
- You will have local (numbing) anesthesia, you will be able to drive yourself home after your surgery.
AFTER EARLOBE REPAIR SURGERY
- Following your split ear lobe repair, we will review all instructions you will need for postoperative care. Avoid putting the phone to the affected ear for one week following surgery. Avoid turtlenecks or tight fitting clothing for one week following split ear lobe repair.
- You will be asked to come on postoperative day 7 for suture removal. Although your ear lobe is not completely healed at this time, the sutures are removed to prevent permanent suture marks.
POSTOPERATIVE EARLOBE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
- Keep dressing dry and intact the evening after surgery and until the morning.
- Most patients complain of discomfort more than pain so you may take Tylenol. Remember, if your pain is out of proportion, please call us immediately.
- Avoid putting the phone to the affected ear for one week following surgery. Avoid turtlenecks or tight fitting clothing for one week following earlobe repair. Patients typically do not need to take time off work other than the time for the surgery
- Always protect your face from the sun. Avoid unprotected prolonged sun exposure for three months following earlobe repair to prevent pigmentation of incision lines.
- Do not exercise for one week following surgical repair.
- Please Remember! Swelling, bruising and disrupted sleep are very normal postoperative symptoms and will decrease as the healing process occurs.
- Following earlobe repair, it takes time (one to two weeks) for the swelling to subside and for the skin to heal. At ten days postoperatively, swelling and minimal bruising may be apparent to you but not to many of your coworkers and closest friends.
- Final results following any cosmetic surgery are not apparent for one full year. After three months, the changes are ever so subtle, although still important. Being perfectionists about our work, you may tell us you are pleased long before the one-year anniversary. However, we request that you follow-up with us at that time for postoperative photographs and so that we can enjoy your final result.
Can the Ear Be Pierced Again?
Yes, but patients need to wait for a minimum of 8 weeks before a stud can be placed. It is important to prevent recurrent earlobe damage.
Prices are subject to change and personalized prices will be provided upon consultation.
FAQ
Earlobes may serve no known biological function, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect them. In fact, taking good care of your earlobes is essential for several reasons. One of these reasons is aesthetic pleasure.
Earlobes are a vital part of our overall facial structure, and if they become damaged, it can lead to an unbalanced look. This can be especially noticeable for people with larger earlobes. Taking care of them is crucial for maintaining our overall appearance.
Unfortunately, the skin on earlobes can become stretched out due to several factors. Aging is one of the common factors, according to science. Another common cause of earlobe tears and stretching is wearing heavy earrings. Additionally, earlobe deformities may occur due to heredity abnormalities, surgical procedures, or traumatic events.
If you have stretched, torn, or deformed earlobes for one reason or another, you may want to consider earlobe repair to help restore your earlobes’ original shape and size.
What is Earlobe Repair?
Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure that can restore the appearance of torn, stretched, scarred, or deformed earlobes. The procedure is commonly used to repair earlobes that have been stretched due to the use of gauged earrings or that have been torn due to an accident or injury. It can also be used to correct defects present at birth, such as an excessively large or misshapen earlobe.
The repair process typically involves removing excess skin and tissue from the earlobe before reconstructing the lobe with sutures and, occasionally, skin grafts. The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The answer depends on several factors, such as the type and extent of the damage to your earlobes. Generally speaking, the procedure itself takes about 30 minutes to complete. However, this does not include the time that you will need to spend with your doctor before and after the procedure for the pre-operative and post-operative evaluations.
Who is the Right Candidate for Earlobe Repair?
Ear repair surgery can be a great way to improve the appearance and structure of your ears, but it’s essential to ensure that it’s the right decision for you. Generally, ear repair surgery is recommended for individuals who have misshapen ears, ears that protrude too far from the head, or deformed ears. Ear repair surgery can also be used to correct earlobe tears or splits and improve the overall shape and size of the ear.
If you’re considering ear repair surgery, it’s important to talk to our qualified plastic surgeon to determine if you’re a good candidate. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will examine your ears and review your medical history to determine if you’re a good candidate for ear repair surgery. Your plastic surgeon may also take photographs of your ears to document your current condition and make sure that the procedure is appropriate for you.
What are the Risks and Complications of Earlobes Repair?
In addition to being in good overall health, it’s important that you have realistic expectations and understand the potential risks associated with ear repair surgery. The risks and complications of earlobe repair include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve damage, and an uneven appearance. Additionally, there is a risk of the earlobe tearing again if heavy jewelry is worn.
How Soon Can I See the Desired Results?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of earlobe reconstruction procedure that you have and the extent of the damage. In general, however, most people can expect to begin to see results within a few weeks of the procedure.
No matter which type of earlobe repair procedure you choose, it’s important to give the earlobe time to heal properly. Moreover, you should follow your doctor’s instructions for earlobe repair before and after the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you’re looking for a medical practice that conducts earlobe repair in Tampa or Ocala, Arviv Medical Aesthetics is the right place. We offer a range of treatments, including laser earlobe repair, suture repair, and grafting.
Each of our procedures is tailored to the individual and their specific needs. As such, our highly trained and experienced professionals will take the time to assess your earlobes and recommend the best solution for you.
Booking an appointment with us is easy. Simply give our office a call and schedule a time for a free consultation. During this consultation, you will be able to discuss your treatment options and any questions you might have. After your consultation, you can book an appointment for your earlobe repair.
Book your appointment today.