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.
Earlobe reduction surgery, or lobuloplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reshaping enlarged, stretched, or elongated earlobes for a more balanced and youthful look. Reasons for the procedure include genetics, aging, damage from heavy earrings or gauges, trauma, and correcting a “pixie ear” deformity that can occur after a facelift.
An accurate estimate of the costs is only possible after an in-clinic consultation with Dr Prashant. We charge a Ā£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.
Disclaimer ā Prices mentioned are just indicative of current average price ranges for the treatment. You will need an in-clinic consultation for a quote applicable to you. Also note that prices are subject to change, please contact a member of the team to confirm the current price range.
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 canāt 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 ā 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 canāt 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 earrings, so you can have a new piercing then.
Who is an ideal candidate for this surgery?
Generally healthy individuals who are unhappy with the size or shape of their earlobes are ideal candidates. Reasons may stem from genetics, aging, heavy earrings, or trauma. Crucially, candidates should have realistic expectations about the potential results.
How is the surgery performed?
The procedure is typically an outpatient operation performed using local anesthesia. The surgeon removes excess skin and tissue, then sutures the remaining lobe together to achieve the desired shape. The entire process often takes less than an hour per ear.
Is the procedure painful?
No, you will not feel pain during the procedure because local anesthesia is used to numb the area. You may experience some mild discomfort or aching once the anesthesia wears off, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication.
Will there be visible scars?
Yes, there will be small scars where the incisions were made. Surgeons strategically place these incisions, often along the natural crease or the back of the ear, to ensure the scars remain discreet. They typically fade and become less noticeable over time.
