Earlobe repair is a simple, cosmetic procedure that can be performed to repair torn or drooping ear lobes. Because earlobes are made up entirely of cartilage, damage to the earlobe is easy. This can happen from prolonged wear of long or heavy earrings causing stretching and even tearing of the lobe. Damage to the earlobe structure can also happen if multiple piercings are made too close together or too close to the bottom of the lobe. Whether a patient suffers from an elongated earlobe due to the aging process or from heavy earring usage, Dr. Byrd can repair the earlobe and provide a naturally rounded result.
To view before and after Earlobe Repair photographs click here.
Candidates for Earlobe Repair
Earlobes are the normal skin appendage at the lower end of the cartilaginous ear. The ears are frequently pierced for earrings and accessories. Earrings place the earlobes at risk for getting damaged. Earlobe repair surgery can be performed in a matter of minutes with little to no downtime.
- Earlobe Tear: Simple tears in the earlobe can result from wearing heavy earrings or earrings being pulled out. The injury results in earlobe clefting or a bifid earlobe. This type tear will not heal and close by itself. Surgical repair of the earlobe will be necessary to repair an earlobe tear.
- Earlobe Gauges: Earlobe gauges, or earlobe plugs, became a popular practice in recent years. As trends come and go, patients are likely to desire removal of the gauges. After the gauge is removed, the hole will shrink a little bit over several months; However, the earlobe will not completely revert to its pre-stretched state, and will be permanently deformed with out repair. In some cases the earlobe deformity can be quite severe causing complex ear reconstruction surgery.
- Earlobe Deformity: Sometimes patients are born with deformed earlobes that do not conform to the shape of the face. Dr. Byrd can reshape and contour earlobes to have a softer appearance and more closely match a patient’s facial symmetry.
About the Procedure
Earlobe repair, for both torn earlobes and gauged earlobes, can be performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. The cost of the surgery will be dependent on the extent of the deformity. The healing time only takes a few weeks; however, patients will not be able to re-pierce the ears for about 3 months.
Dr. Marcia Byrd cares for patients throughout the United States and Canada. Locally, she services the North Atlanta, GA area including Roswell GA, Alpharetta GA, Milton GA, Woodstock GA, Canton GA, Dunwoody GA, Sandy Springs, GA and more. If you would like to make an appointment to discuss Earlobe Repair call (770) 587-1711 and schedule a consultation. Be the best you can be and live a full life – there is no reason to wait!