Repair of Torn Earlobes: San Francisco

Earlobe reconstruction is much less involved than other forms of ear reshaping. The soft earlobe has skin and fat. Other parts of the ear have cartilage adding structural strength. Since the tissue over the cartilage is thin, contour irregularities of the cartilage are easily seen. Reestablishing the delicate shape of the underlying cartilage adds complexity to a reconstruction.

The Procedure For Earlobe Repair

In most pierced ears, the pierced hold gradually enlarges over time. If it tears, the final tear is usually just through a tiny piece of tissue at the bottom of the lobe. In this case, immediate repair will not take care of the skin covered slot, so reconstruction is delayed until after the wound has healed and inflammation has diminished. However, if the tear starts from a tiny pierced hold, immediate repair is an option.

Depending on the deformity, reconstruction can take different forms. In all methods, the skin lining the slot is removed creating a raw edge to rebuild. When tissue has been lost, however, the procedure is more complicated, and reconstruction involves creating normal proportions around a somewhat small ear.

Layered Closure For Earlobe Repair

In repairing the lobe, raw edges are brought directly together using a combination of dissolvable sutures in the deeper layers and skin sutures that are removed after your surgery. No provision for the jewelry hole is made at this time. After several months of healing, the ear can be pierced again, if desired.

Z-Plasty Flap

Tissue cut in a special z - pattern and moved with its blood supply is called a flap. Flaps are used to redistribute tissue and sculpt the shape of the ear. Flaps lessen the chance of scar notching. The ear is able to be pierced after the scar has completely healed.

After Your Ear Repair Procedure

The sutures are removed two weeks after the procedure. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment is the only dressing applied in most cases. A little drainage from the wound will be expected.

When can I wear earrings after surgery?

You should wait six months after surgery before wearing earrings. The scar should be soft before you get your lobe re-pierced.

If you have any questions regarding Earlobe Surgery, or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.