EARLOBE REPAIR SURGERY | CHICAGO, IL

Earlobe repair is usually done to correct stretched earlobes from heavy earrings or gauges. In many cases, patients will opt to have ear-gauge holes closed when they decide to join the military, police, or start jobs where it is physically limiting, distracting, or not socially appropriate for their profession or job.

There are several different techniques used to repair stretched earlobes. If the defect is small (less than 1cm) The can be de-epithelialized and closed, leaving a small scar on the earlobe. For larger defects or if no scar is desired on the earlobe, a wedge excision technique can be used. With the wedge technique, the entire area of the earlobe which is stretched is completely removed and the remaining earlobe is re-attached, leaving a hidden scar where the earlobe meets the cheek.

Depending on the surgical technique used, earlobe repair takes about an hour. Earlobe repair is done under local anesthesia.

You may have some soreness after the anesthetic wears off, but pain is typically mild and easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol.

Scarring depends on the technique used. With simple closure, a small scar will be visible on the earlobe. With wedge resection and reconstruction, the scar is hidden where the earlobe attaches to the face. Once healed the scar is almost invisible. In rare cases, Keloids or abnormal scarring can occur on and around the ear which may require additional treatment.