Cosmetic Surgery

Earlobe Repair

Split Earlobe Repair, Earlobe surgery, Stretched Earlobe reconstruction

The earlobe is one of the weakest parts of your ear, as it is unsupported by cartilage as the rest of your ear. This inherent lack of support, compounded by the desire we have to get the earlobe pierced creates a situation were over a period of time the piercing hole enlarges in size. The rate at which the earlobe piercing hole stretches out relates to how heavy and regularly the earrings are worn. Genetics also play a role as you might have weaker earlobes compared to others. Trauma to the earlobe often contributes to the earlobe splitting.

Earlobe split repair is therefore a common local anesthesia surgery. The nature of surgery often relates to the extent of the split, and can range from a simple freshening of edges and sutures to complicated flap and cartilage surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes stretched earlobe?

Flesh Plugs, Flesh Tunnels, and other heavy gauge jewelery can stretch the earlobe to a point which exceeds its capacity to spring back leaving you with a deformed earlobe.

Can torn earlobes be repaired?

Yes, it is a relatively straightforward local anesthesia minor surgery. It involves a local anesthesia to numb the area, freshening the edges and then suturing in layers. You will go home with a dressing on the earlobe and will be told of the aftercare required.

Can I wear earrings straight after my earlobe repair?

We like to close up the stretched earlobe piercing during earlobe repair. You will therefore not have a hole to put your earrings into. We discourage patients from having new piercing in the repaired earlobe for the first 3 months. If you start wearing earrings to soon after earlobe repair you will risk the new piercing stretching out again.

Is earlobe surgery painful?

The surgery is done under local anesthesia and is not painful.

Can superglue be used to repair torn earlobes?

Unfortunately using this technique might give you a temporary relief but can’t give you long lasting results. Superglue is quite noxious and not designed for use on human skin and comes with its own set of side-effects.

Can both my earlobes be repaired at the same time?

Yes we can do the earlobe repair on both the earlobes in the same sitting.

How long does an split earlobe surgery take?

Depending on if it is one or two earlobes it generally takes about 1 – 1.5 hours for the treatment.

When can I return to work after earlobe repair?

You can go to work the next day, though the dressing can’t be removed for the first 3 days.

How soon can I have a new piercing after the earlobe so I can restart wearing my earings?

We ask you to wait 3 months after the operation to restart wearing earings, so you can have a new piercing then.

Approximate Costs

An accurate estimate of the costs is only possible after an in-clinic consultation with Dr Prashant. We charge a £50 deposit to secure your consultation with Dr Prashant, this amount will be deducted from the costs of the treatment you go on to have at our clinic.

At Reforme, earlobe surgery (either repair or reduction) costs from £650 per earlobe, or from £1150 for both sides, this can vary with complexity.