What to Expect from Earlobe Repair Surgery
Has your use of earrings caused your ears to sag over time? Have you suffered an injury resulting in a torn earlobe? If you answered yes, earlobe repair in Albany, NY might be a great solution for you to restore the look of your ears and boost your confidence.
Why Do People Get Earlobe Surgery?
Earlobe repair can be considered reconstructive surgery since it is mainly performed to repair a split, torn, or sagging earlobe. The ears can tear from trauma, such as an earring getting snagged on clothing or turn from an injury to the head and ears. The use of heavy earrings or gauges over time can cause the earlobes to sag or leave large holes in the lobes. All of these are relatively common concerns that can be treated by Dr. Kayastha.
What Does Earlobe Repair Consist Of?
Earlobe repair is a minor surgical procedure that can be performed in our office under local anesthesia. The procedure varies depending on the type of repair needed.
Torn Earlobes
Earlobe tears or splits require sutures to close the gap at the bottom of the earlobe. Excess tissue may need to be removed if the ears are asymmetrical or there is additional sagging or stretching on the treated area. One or both ears can be treated during your procedure.
Stretched Earlobes
Stretched earlobes do not have a large split, but the earring holes can be stretched from heavy earrings, creating the look of a split. During the procedure, sagging tissue will be removed, and the remaining skin will be stitched in place to restore a smooth, rounded ear. One or both ears can be repaired during the procedure.
What Can I Expect During Earlobe Surgery Recovery?
Since earlobe surgery is performed under local anesthesia and is minimally invasive, patients do not have to worry about a long recovery period. The earlobes will be numb for a couple of hours after the procedure and once the numbness wears off, mild burning or soreness can be expected, along with mild swelling. Discomfort can be alleviated with pain medications and cold compresses. It’s also important to keep the sutures clean; hydrogen peroxide and a cotton swab can be used to gently remove crusting around the sutures.
Patients can return to work after a few days but strenuous exercise should be avoided for about a week to minimize swelling. This includes bending and lifting heavy objects. Sleeping with your head elevated and taking time to relax will also help reduce swelling and speed up recovery. If you wish to re-pierce your ears, we recommend waiting 6-8 weeks so that the ears are fully healed.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have torn or droopy earlobes, schedule a consultation today to discuss earlobe repair with Dr. Kayastha, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Albany, NY. He will be happy to discuss your concerns and help you develop a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and aesthetic goals.