An earlobe repair, also known as lobuloplasty, can fix torn, split, stretched, or drooping earlobes. The common cosmetic surgery addresses these issues on the lower part of the outer ear. It may be sought after by individuals who have previously:
A plastic surgeon will perform the minor surgery to help create a more symmetrical (balanced) appearance once your ear(s) heal.
People may get earlobe repair surgery for different reasons, including to:
Speaking with a plastic surgeon is an important step before deciding to undergo any cosmetic procedure. Although cosmetic surgery is a personal choice, a qualified expert can help you to decide if the procedure is the right choice for you moving forward.
It is highly common for plastic surgeons to perform an earlobe repair. A qualified doctor will have plenty of experience, which can make the procedure quick, successful, and safe for a patient.
Once you meet with your plastic surgeon, they will perform a physical examination and discuss your goals before outlining the best earlobe treatment options for you. You will likely discuss:
You may need to make temporary changes to your medications or stop using tobacco products until your earlobe heals from the procedure. The surgeon will also instruct you to avoid wearing jewelry or piercings on the affected earlobe prior to the procedure.
Once your doctor examines your earlobe, they will make a determination based on:
A healthcare provider may provide alternate procedures depending on your earlobe goals. They may recommend cosmetic ear reshaping (otoplasty), which can improve the shape, position, or size of your ear(s) depending on your desired look.
A surgeon will clean the skin on and around your ear on the day of your earlobe repair surgery. They will use a thin needle to inject a small amount of local anesthetic before:
The earlobe repair procedure will most likely take place in a healthcare specialist’s office. It can take less than an hour to complete and is an outpatient procedure, which means you can leave on the same day. Emergency procedures will take place at an urgent care facility or a hospital.
Your doctor will use tiny dissolvable or removable stitches to close the earlobe incision site. The stitches will be removed in about 1-2 weeks or dissolve within the same timeframe.
The benefits of an earlobe repair procedure depend on your specific goals, but some common advantages include:
It is worth speaking candidly with your healthcare provider to make sure that these benefits or any others are possible for you as you consider earlobe repair surgery.
Risks and/or side effects are possible with any surgical procedure, including earlobe repair. It is a low-risk procedure, but you may still experience:
Make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately about any severe side effects and seek immediate medical attention if these side effects persist.
Many people drive themselves home on the same day as their earlobe repair, but you can ask a loved one for assistance if you feel more comfortable. You can resume your daily activities once you feel ready. Speak to your provider beforehand for any instructions on what pain relievers are safe to take for numbness and/or discomfort.
Your recovery timeline will likely include:
Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you apply antibiotic ointment to the earlobe repair site while it heals to prevent any infections.
The immediate aftercare instructions following an earlobe repair procedure may include:
If you have any aftercare questions or concerns, contacting your doctor is recommended.
An earlobe repair can take several weeks to completely heal. Once the site is healed, you can get your ears pierced or re-pierced. It’s recommended that you speak with your provider about the timeline for how long you should wait. The average wait time is about 3-6 months.
You should reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience:
These reactions may worry you or feel scary, but seeking prompt medical attention can help you get the treatment that you require and prevent any side effects from worsening.