Earlobe Repair

1. Trauma: Traumatic injuries, such as tears or lacerations from accidents or injuries, can result in visible damage to the earlobes.
2. Piercing: Prolonged or improper piercing techniques, as well as heavy or oversized earrings, can lead to stretching, thinning, or tearing of the earlobes.
3. Aging: As we age, the skin and tissues of the earlobes may lose elasticity and firmness, leading to sagging or drooping earlobes.
4. Gauging: Ear stretching or gauging, a more recent popular trend, can result in significant elongation or stretching of the earlobes, causing cosmetic concerns.

The earlobe repair process begins with a comprehensive consultation with board-certified, fellowship trained dermatologic surgeon Dr. Thomas Knackstedt who will evaluate your concerns, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan. During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your expectations, and learn more about the procedure, including risks, benefits, and recovery.

Common approaches include:

• Torn Earlobe Repair: Torn or split earlobes can be repaired through a simple surgical procedure that involves removing damaged tissue, realigning the edges of the tear, and suturing the earlobe to promote healing and restore its natural contour.
• Stretched Earlobe Repair: For elongated or stretched earlobes resulting from piercing or gauging, earlobe repair may involve removing excess tissue, reshaping the earlobe, and reconstructing the natural anatomy to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Earlobe Reduction: In cases of oversized or elongated earlobes due to aging or genetics, earlobe reduction surgery can be performed to remove excess tissue and reshape the earlobes, creating a more youthful and harmonious facial profile.
• Keloid or Hypertrophic Scar Revision: Individuals with keloid or hypertrophic scars on the earlobes may benefit from scar revision procedures to improve the appearance of scars and restore smooth, even skin texture.

Earlobe repair is performed under local anesthesia in our state-of-the-art dermatology office in Fuquay Varina, NC. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete after which you will be free to return home.

Recovery time after earlobe surgery is minimal. You may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. Dr. Knackstedt and his team will provide you with postoperative instructions and recommendations for caring for your procedure site during the healing process.

In most cases, recovery from earlobe repair surgery is relatively quick. Patients can resume normal activities within a few days, depending on the extent of the procedure. Over time, swelling will diminish, and the final results of earlobe repair surgery will become apparent, leaving you with natural-looking results.