If you’re dealing with a torn or stretched earlobe, you might wonder what’s involved in repairing it. Whether your earlobe was split due to heavy earrings, an injury, or intentional stretching with gauges, earlobe repair surgery can restore its appearance.
This blog post will answer some common questions about split earlobe repair, including how long earlobe repair takes to heal.
What Happens During Earlobe Repair Surgery?
Earlobe repair surgery, or lobuloplasty, is a reconstructive procedure that corrects torn, stretched, or split earlobes. After numbing your ear with a local anesthetic, your plastic surgeon will remove the injured tissue and reshape the earlobe. Simply stitching the earlobe back together doesn’t work.
Why Is Stitching the Earlobe Back Together Not Enough?
A common misconception about earlobe repair is that it requires only a few stitches to repair the earlobe tear. However, earlobe repair surgery is much more complex than that. The plastic surgeon must carefully remove the damaged tissue to create a clean surface for the earlobe to heal properly. This surgical precision is critical to achieving a natural-looking result and minimizing the risk of complications.
Who Performs Earlobe Repair Surgery?
It’s crucial to have earlobe repair surgery performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. At The Centre for Minor Surgery, our Royal College-certified plastic surgeons specialize in this procedure, ensuring you receive expert care. Our team’s experience with various types of earlobe repairs—from simple tears to more complex cases—means you’re in capable hands.
What Happens After Earlobe Repair Surgery?
After split earlobe repair, you’ll have stitches in place for about 10 to 14 days. It’s essential to keep the area clean and follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to promote healing. Avoid sleeping on the affected side and keep your head elevated to minimize swelling during the first week. You can typically resume most normal activities after the first week.
How Long Does Earlobe Repair Take To Heal?
Healing time for earlobe repair surgery generally takes about 6 to 8 weeks, though this can vary slightly depending on individual factors such as overall health and how well you follow postoperative care instructions. During the first few days after the surgery, you may experience minor swelling, bruising, or numbness, but these symptoms usually resolve within a week.
How Long After Earlobe Repair Can I Re-Pierce My Ears?
You can typically re-pierce your ears after about 6 to 8 weeks. This allows the earlobe to heal fully and ensures the tissue is strong enough to hold a new piercing. Your surgeon will advise you on the best location for the new piercing, usually adjacent to the original site, to avoid weakening the repaired area.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
Still have more questions about earlobe repair surgery? Read our related blog post for answers to more earlobe repair surgery questions, including how much it costs. You can also request a consultation or call us at (416) 663-9649 to discuss your earlobe concerns. Our experienced plastic surgeons will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to post-surgery care.
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