Large Earring Hole

About Earlobe Repair Surgery

Benefits

Split earlobes or earlobes with dilated earring hole can occur for a variety of reasons. These issues may occur suddenly when an earring becomes caught and causes a torn earlobe. At other times, the earlobe becomes split gradually as a pierced hole slowly enlarges to the point that earrings can no longer be held within it. While the condition is most common in women, it can certainly occur in men as well. It may also occur if the ear has been pierced in the wrong place, such as too low on the lobe. A recent trend has involved placing large plugs, discs or gauges in the earlobe to stretch the area.

Many people think they just have to live with this problem and can never wear earrings again, but that isn’t at all the case. Today, there is a procedure that can repair split ear lobes.

Alternatives

None

How Does it Work?

The split skin or dilated hole is incised and sutured together.

Who is a Candidate?

Anyone with a split earlobe or an earlobe with a dilated earring hole.

What Can I expect?

Our providers repair split earlobes, as well as enlarged earlobes and stretched earlobes.  Split earlobe repair takes only about a half hour, and following the healing process, the earlobe usually returns to it’s normal shape and size.

Safety & Side Effects

You can expect some minor swelling and soreness for the first few days, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by ease with which you recover. These procedures are very safe. Side effects are rare and generally temporary. The specific risks and the suitability of extractions can be determined only at the time of the consultation.

Recovery Time

Most patients return to their usual activity the next day after the procedure.

Does it Hurt?

An injection of local anesthetic allows this procedure to be performed without discomfort

Before Treatment Instructions

Avoid blood thinners for two weeks prior to your treatment day.

After Treatment Instructions

The healing process often takes several weeks, and must be complete before the ear can be re-pieced. It is important to attend your post-op appointments with your provider to be informed as to when it is safe for you to re-pierce the ear.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners