What is entailed in an earlobe reconstruction?
After a detailed consent process, our cosmetic physician will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Skin around the stretched lobe will be surgically revised under magnified vision, reshaping the ear back to its original contour. The specific technique used depends on the extent and complexity of your earlobe abnormality. Once scar and excess tissue is removed, the earlobe is sutured in place with ultra-fine stitches. A dressing is applied, and you follow up with our cosmetic doctor in 1-2 weeks.
How long does earlobe repair take?
Ear lobe reconstruction takes 15-45 minutes per earlobe depending on the complexity of the repair required.
Where is the earlobe repair performed?
Earlobe repairs is performed in our purpose built minor operating procedure rooms in all of our locations. Most commonly in Newtown, Castle Hill or Miranda in Sydney or Stones Corner in Brisbane.
How to close an ear piercing hole permanently?
Closing an ear piercing hole permanently requires a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic in office. For all methods, once anaesthetic is placed in the earlobe the procedure is completely painless. The method of closure depends on the size of the piercing hole.
Small holes:
Techniques include using a “punch biopsy” tool to remove the skin from the inside of the piercing hole. Think of it like a sharp circle that creates a hole slightly larger than your piercing hole. This is then stitched back together with fine sutures. The sutures are removed after 1-2 weeks which results in complete closure of the piercing hole. Simple repairs take 15-20 minutes per ear.
Larger holes:
These often require removal of skin with a scalpel, and minor repositioning of earlobe tissue to avoid asymmetry or lobe deformity. There is a variety of methods to achieve this, with the technique selected based on your individual lobe shape, and relationship to piercing hole. These repairs typically take 30-45 minutes per ear depending on the complexity.
Can sagging earlobes be fixed?
Yes. However there are various options.
- Earlobe reduction surgery: Removes excess sagging skin and repositions lobe skin to create a youthful, more aesthetically balanced appearance. The results are permanent and scars are hidden in the natural contours of the earlobe.
- Volumising treatments. We cannot mention the specific products due to TGA regulations preventing mention of prescription dermal filler treatments. These treatments are most suited to patients with volume l0ss in the earlobe. Replacing volume improves firmness and reduces drooping of the earlobe.
It is our opinion that skin tightening treatments are not useful in improving earlobe droopiness. We mention them only to educate on their poor suitability for this area of the face.
How do they repair a ripped earlobe? How long after a tear can you repair?
Ripped earlobes repair can be split into two categories:
Immediate repair. This occurs within a few hours post tear. Doctors can immediately tidy wound edges and stitch the earlobe back together again on the same day as the tear. That is provided the tear is considered clean and uncomplicated. Please inform our team if your tear occurred recently. This will help guide our triage process.
Delayed repair. If your tear has occurred more than 24 hours prior to calling, we recommend waiting 4-6 weeks. This allows the earlobe tissue to settle, swelling to subside and any inflammation or potential infection to resolve. In a delayed repair the skin is removed from the inside of the tear, tidied then stitched closed under local anaesthetic. Stitches are removed 1-2 weeks post with full healing being visible at 4-8 weeks.
You may contact our team anytime during business hours. If outside of business hours you can direct message us on social media. Our team is monitoring 24/7 and can provide immediate advice.
Is earlobe surgery painful?
No. Prior to the surgical procedure the earlobe is numbed with local anaesthetic injections. After numbing there is no pain. You may feel a light tugging sensation as your doctor meticulously repairs you earlobe but it will not be painful.
Our patients typically do not complain of pain post operatively. Any pain is typically very mild and can be managed with paracetamol.
How to reduce earing hole size?
There are two methods for reducing earing hole size.
- Placing volumising filler around the piercing hole to support the piercing and reduce the visible size of the piercing hole. This may be suitable for piercings of smaller sizes.
- Surgical earlobe repair. Your Contour Clinics doctor will gently remove the skin lining from the inside of the existing piercing and meticulously close the hole with fine stitches. The earlobe will typically heal fully over the following 3 to 6 months. Once fully healed, you can safely re-pierce your earlobe to create a new, smaller piercing if desired.
