Lobuloplasty, commonly known as earlobe repair, is a cosmetic surgery to repair a torn, split, stretched, or drooping earlobe. The procedure restores the appearance and function of the damaged earlobe, helping you regain your confidence. You can also wear earrings safely again once it has healed.
When is earlobe repair needed?
This procedure is performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon in the following cases:
- To repair a laceration or injury that has damaged the earlobe.
- To close a tear caused by ear gauging, or the process of stretching a hole in the ear to wear large jewellery.
- To close stretched-out piercing holes.
- To repair the earlobe after multiple ear piercings, piercings in the wrong location, or piercings placed too close together.
What does the earlobe procedure involve?
Before the procedure, the dermatologist reviews your medical history and asks several questions about your overall health to ensure you are a suitable candidate.
On the day of the procedure, they will clean your skin and use a very fine needle to inject a small amount of local anaesthetic into the earlobe, so that you do not feel any pain or discomfort. The entire procedure takes about an hour to complete and follows these steps:
- A small cut, or incision, is made in your earlobe.
- The dermatologist removes excess skin or scar tissue.
- The incision site is then closed.
The incision is closed with either dissolvable or removable stitches. Removable stitches are taken out in a week or two, depending on how well the earlobe heals after surgery.
What happens after earlobe repair?
The first 48 hours after earlobe repair are crucial for effective healing. You should keep your head elevated while sleeping and avoid putting any pressure or stretching on the repaired earlobe. The dermatologist will give you some instructions to follow:
- Apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day to the site of the surgery.
- Keep the area dry and clean for the first 48 hours; you can clean gently with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Avoid applying any make-up products around the earlobe.
- Avoid using chemically-laden products, including hairspray, around the earlobe.
- Monitor the surgical area for any bleeding or signs of complications.
What does long-term healing look like?
You can expect complete healing within the next 6 to 8 weeks. It is normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and numbness around the area, which usually subsides within a few days. Sutures are removed 10 to 12 days after the procedure. In some cases, the dermatologist may recommend scar therapy, such as a medical-grade topical scar gel or massage techniques.
It is advisable to follow some activity restrictions to avoid complications:
- Do not use swimming pools or hot tubs for two weeks after the procedure.
- Do not wear earrings for at least 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
- Avoid re-piercing your ears for 8 weeks after the procedure.
- Do not expose your ear to direct sunlight for 3 to 4 months after the procedure.
Be extra cautious when using hairbrushes or wearing clothes that might catch on the ear. You may resume most other normal activities immediately after the procedure. At Derma Essence, treatment is led by Dr. Reena Sharma (MD Dermatology). For related concerns, see keloid removal or scar treatment.
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