The excessive weight of earrings or trauma to the earlobe can cause tears in the tissue, forming a split that may be unattractive and make wearing earrings less practical or even impossible. Dr. Michael Somenek can perform a surgical repair of your torn earlobe at our respected plastic surgery clinic, healing the split edges and restoring the ear to its natural form. Earlobe repair in Washington, D.C., can help correct these issues and provide you with various options to revitalize your damaged ears.
Earlobe repair, also known as a surgical procedure, corrects damaged or stretched earlobes. These are usually caused by trauma, piercings from heavy earrings, or gauges. The procedure involves reshaping the earlobe by removing damaged tissue and suturing what remains to restore a more natural-looking contour.
Earlobe repair surgery can address several conditions, including overstretched and torn lobes, as well as those that need to be reshaped or reduced. It can also fix troublesome keloid scars.
Earlobe stretching occurs when you wear heavy earrings or large-diameter ear gauges. Patients who have previously worn large gauges may notice that the opening can be quite large when the gauges are removed and will not fully close by itself over time. A minor earlobe repair surgery can help restore the lobe to its natural state.
The ear lobe comprises skin and fat, so it is more prone to tears than the thick cartilage on other parts of the ear. Several scenarios can result in a torn earlobe, including wearing heavy earrings, a child or pet pulling on them, or an earring getting caught on an item of clothing. Some ear lobe tears may heal with time, but they often leave visible scars that make it challenging to re-pierce the ears or wear earrings in the future. Most torn earlobes can be surgically repaired, typically under local anesthesia. Dr. Somenek can surgically excise the tear in the earlobe and cosmetically repair it. This technique requires suturing on either side of the earlobe, and most sutures can come out in as little as one week.
Earlobe reshaping is another option for repairing earlobes that have been altered or damaged from a prior ear piercing or gauging. It can also correct embarrassing issues such as asymmetrical or large earlobes, allowing you to feel more comfortable with your image.
You may be self-conscious about your earlobes, especially if they are overly large, and may opt for an earlobe reduction procedure in Washington, D.C.
Earlobe repair surgery is primarily beneficial for correcting the appearance of the earlobes. This entails anything from restoring gauged earlobes to their natural size and shape to reducing or reshaping them due to trauma or genetics, and fixing torn earlobes. For those repairing gauged or torn earlobes, this offers a chance to wear earrings again and re-pierce the ears. Many feel more comfortable and positive about their appearance after the procedure, even allowing them to wear different hairstyles and other jewelry they could not wear before.
This procedure is best suited for individuals who struggle with one or more of the following:
Candidates should be realistic about their expectations of the outcome, and a consultation with Dr. Somenek will help you review your options. In this appointment, you’ll also discuss whether there are health concerns or other complications that could impact the surgery’s results.
Having a consultation with Dr. Somenek is the best first step towards earlobe repair surgery. This is to ensure that he can map out a plan that effectively addresses your concerns and achieves your goals. He will carefully examine your anatomy, ask about your concerns and prior medical history to ensure there are no potential complications, and develop a plan for the incisions to be made and the techniques to be used.
In some cases, the surgery can be performed the same day as the consultation, depending on the complexity of the repair. You’ll be given detailed instructions on how to care for your ears during recovery, along with a timeline for when you can repierce them.
In the case of droopy or stretched earlobes, Dr. Somenek will make a cut along the skin around the tear, reducing the size of your earlobe. If it has fully split due to trauma or a tear, he will connect the two sides of the lobe with delicate sutures. This skillful technique involves removing the damaged area of the ear piercing and suturing together the skin’s outer and inner layers, as well as the tissue in between.
The majority of earlobe repair surgeries are performed in 30 minutes under local anesthesia. However, the length of the procedure and the type of anesthesia may vary based on the extent of the repairs. Dr. Somenek will conduct the necessary repair, and the ear can be re-pierced if needed in the future. Fortunately, there is minimal pain post-op, and any discomfort that you experience can be relieved with common medications. Most at-home care involves cleaning the earlobe daily and occasionally covering it with a bandage.
Immediate Aftercare: After the procedure, you may experience mild swelling, redness, and tenderness, but discomfort is minimal. Stitches are usually in place to support healing, and a protective ointment may be applied.
First Week: Most patients can return to normal activities on the same day or the day after. You’ll need to keep the area clean, avoid excessive touching, and follow any aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Somenek. Sleeping on your back can help prevent pressure on the earlobes.
1-2 Weeks: Stitches are typically removed within a week, though dissolvable sutures may not require removal. Swelling and redness should significantly subside, and the incision will continue to heal.
Long-Term Healing: The scar will gradually fade over the next few months. You can usually re-pierce your ears around 6-8 weeks after surgery, depending on how well you’ve healed.
The cost of Earlobe Repair in Washington, D.C., varies based on the complexity of the repair, whether one or both earlobes require treatment, and the surgeon’s expertise. On average, prices range from $750 to $2,500 per earlobe. Factors such as the severity of the damage, the technique used, and whether additional reconstruction is needed may affect the final cost. During your consultation, Dr. Somenek will provide a more accurate quote and discuss pricing based on your specific needs. Our office also offers financing options to ensure an accessible experience for our patients.
Dr. Somenek’s advanced expertise in the intricate anatomy of the face, head, and neck distinguishes him as a leading plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. A highly sought-after educator and trainer, he instructs physicians nationwide on advanced injectable techniques and frequently consults on complex cases requiring specialized precision. His aesthetic philosophy is rooted in the art of facial balance, which enhances each patient’s natural proportions to achieve refined yet authentic results. By prioritizing harmony and subtlety, Dr. Somenek ensures that every transformation highlights the individual’s unique features, achieving a refreshed and effortlessly elegant appearance.
If you are determining how to fix a split ear lobe or are looking for a reduction or reshape, contact Somenek + Pittman MD about earlobe repair in Washington, D.C. Our experienced and double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Somenek, is more than happy to discuss the facts and benefits of this procedure with you.
