Ear Lobe Repair

Ear Lobe Repair Surgery

Body piercing, including an earlobe piercing, can have undesirable outcomes – both medical and cosmetic. For example, earrings are sometimes ripped out of earlobes accidentally or during a traumatic event. A piercing hole may no longer suit your cosmetic or functional needs due to elongation that occurs over time. In some cases, earlobes may permanently stretch, tear, or split under the weight of heavy or oversized earrings.

Derick Dermatology has experience assessing earlobe problems and can suggest minor surgical treatment. In most cases, ear lobe repair surgery is a fast process with little to no pain or discomfort and very little risk.

Here are some quick facts that you need to know about ear lobe surgery:

  • It’s completed on an outpatient basis.
  • Most surgeries are completed in one day. The exact length of the surgery depends on the extent of damage to the earlobe.
  • You can expect to fully recover within a week or two.

Reasons to Repair Earlobes Surgically

There are three primary reasons that patients contact Derick Dermatology to discuss ear lobe repair in the Chicagoland area:

  • Relieve pain
  • Improve cosmetic appearance
  • Restore functional use

If your earlobe is damaged but you aren’t in pain, don’t want to re-pierce the ear, and aren’t bothered by its appearance, then you may decide earlobe surgery isn’t a worthy expense. If you do want to correct your damaged earlobes, contact our professional team to schedule a consultation and evaluation.

The Ear Lobe Repair Process

The type and extent of damage will determine the exact method used to repair a damaged earlobe. In some cases, the skin around the damaged hole is removed and then the hole is stitched closed. In other cases, the surgeon may need to create a small flap that restructures the natural shape of the earlobe.

Other techniques may come into play after your dermatologist looks at the damage to your earlobe. At Derick Dermatology, we’re committed to discussing the surgical procedure with patients before surgery begins. We will answer all of your questions and discuss the estimated length of the surgery so that you have realistic expectations.

Recovering from Ear Lobe Repair Surgery

In most cases, the stitches from earlobe surgery are removed within a week. Most patients are able to shower two to three days after the surgery. You may need to put antibiotic ointment on the earlobe daily to aid healing. Most patients do not need pain medication, but you may take over-the-counter medications if you experience light pain or discomfort.

You should not notice a lot of swelling, redness, or discharge from the earlobe as it heals. If you notice those problems or any other sign of possible infection, you should contact our office immediately. You can increase your chances of a smooth, quick recovery by following all aftercare instructions given by our medical team.

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Our highly trained dermatologists are available in 23 beautiful dermatology locations, including Chicago, IL, and Tampa Bay, FL.

Frequently Asked Questions - Ear Lobe Repair

Is earlobe repair covered by medical insurance?

Not all insurance policies will cover earlobe repair surgeries. Some patients can use their health savings accounts to cover some or all of the surgery costs. Check with your insurance provider to determine if surgical repair is covered by your plan. Even if it is covered, you may have co-pays and/or deductibles to cover out of pocket or with a health savings plan.

Can you pierce your ears again after having repair surgery?

Many patients are able to successfully pierce their ears with new holes after the lobes completely heal from surgery. You should get clearance from your dermatologist before proceeding with a new piercing. You can expect it to take at least three to four months before the earlobe can handle the new piercing.

SectionDoes earlobe surgery leave scars?

Patients often have some scars after healing from earlobe surgery. The extent and location of the scars will depend on the details of your unique surgery. In general, some people show scars more prominently than others. Surgery is an individual experience, so there is no way to predict how your earlobes may look after they’re surgically repaired.

You can use Biocorneum scar cream on your earlobes as they heal from surgery. In most cases, you want to wait a couple of weeks after the surgery to start applying the cream. Discuss this option with your dermatologist to make sure you don’t interrupt the healing of the earlobe.

SectionIs surgical earlobe repair dangerous or risky?

There rarely are complications during a standard earlobe repair surgery. If there are reasons that you’re more vulnerable to complications, your surgeon will discuss those issues with you prior to approving your surgery. Most patients experience minor discomfort and recover fully from the surgery without complication or risk.

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DERICK DERMATOLOGY

Derick Dermatology is a leading authority in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatological services with 23 stunning dermatology practices in Chicago, IL, and Tampa Bay, FL. Our dedicated dermatologists offer exceptional dermatological services for both adult and pediatric patients.  Please feel free to Self-Schedule Now