Earlobe Repair
Though large beautiful earrings may tempt us in department stores, sometimes their weight and size can cause undue stress on our earlobes. For individuals in the Sacramento area, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Patrick McMenamin performs relatively quick and simple earlobe repair surgery.
Both men and women frequently call our Sacramento cosmetic surgery office regarding a torn or overly stretched earlobe most commonly from trauma or wearing heavy earrings. Catching an earring on a sweater or having a baby grab a hoop earring can easily tear the lobe. Heavy earrings, over time, can stretch the lobe until the hole is very large with very little tissue bridging the bottom. Eventually, the hole will tear through. When that happens, we get the call.
Earlobe Repair Surgery, Sacramento, CA
See more earlobe repair surgery before & after pictures
When to Choose Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair, as performed by Sacramento cosmetic surgeon Dr. McMenamin, corrects problems such as:
- Stretched earlobe holes
- Lacerated (torn) earlobe
- Too large earlobes
These problems frequently occur as a result of heavy earrings or from an accident while wearing earrings. Some people purposefully stretch their earlobe holes. Others, are genetically predisposed to larger than normal earlobes. Surgical correction can be performed in a short amount of time and, if the patient desires, the ear may be repierced after completely healed.
What to Expect During Earlobe Repair
Earlobe holes are relatively easy to repair. The surgery is done under local anesthesia in our accredited operating room. After the earlobe is numbed, a circular incision is made around the hole to remove the skin from the inside of the hole. Sutures are used to bring the raw edges of tissue together and then the skin is closed. The entire procedure can be completed in under an hour for both earlobes. Approximately six weeks after the procedure, the ears can be pierced if the patient desires. We will do it in our office at no additional charge.
Large earlobes can also be refined by making them smaller. “Pixie” earlobes that are attached directly to the face and not free hanging can also be released and reshaped. The procedures vary by problem but are very well tolerated and produce very good results.
Recovery and Results
Little tapes called steristrips will be used to cover the incisions on your earlobes. They need to be kept as dry as possible. After about 10 days, the sutures are removed and you will have a small, unobtrusive scar that should fade over time. You may experience some initial swelling and discomfort well-managed with Tylenol. Most patients feel it is no more painful than having your ears pierced. Time off from work is rarely if ever needed especially if the surgery is done on a Friday and return to work is on Monday.
Dr. McMenamin is able to achieve very pleasing results with earlobe repair. It is important to recognize that re-piercing the ears will increase the risk of stretching and tears, especially with the use of large or heavy earrings.
To learn more earlobe repair procedures offered by Sacramento cosmetic surgeon Dr. Patrick McMenamin, we encourage you to call his office at (916) 564-8888 and speak with his accommodating staff to set up a consultation or send us an email.