Torn Earlobes Repair

• Q: What Causes Torn Earlobes?
• Q: How is Torn Earlobes Repair Performed?
• Q: Should I Anticipate After the Procedure?
• Q: When Can I Wear Earrings After Procedure?
• Q: Am I a Candidate for Torn Earlobes Repair?

Q: What Causes Torn Earlobes?

Torn earlobes can happen as the result of continuous wearing of heavy earrings or can be a result of unfortunate accidents or robberies. More often earlobes get torn as a result of having little children pulling the earring while they play with adults with large earrings. Also a large group of patients develops elongated or torn earlobes due to prolonged wearing of heavy earrings and it may take years to develop. Large or heavy items will gradually elongate the hole and eventually will tear through the lobe. Once the defect forms it becomes hard to cover with hair or clothing.

Q: How is Torn Earlobes Repair Performed?

Torn earlobe repair is a simple office procedure. Dr. Rayham performs torn earlobe repair in his offices in Manhattan/NYC, Brooklyn or Staten Island, New York under straight local anesthesia. There is usually no need for sedation or general anesthesia.

Depending on the deformity, reconstruction can be performed in different ways. In most methods, the skin lining the tear is removed creating a raw edge to rebuild. The specific techniques used include the following: The simple layered closure technique is used immediately after traumatic avulsion and is done by bringing and suturing the raw edges together. The Z-plasty technique is used for weakened tissues where simple layered closure cannot provide substantial support for future earring. In this type of repair tissues of your earlobe are rearranged to allow redistribution of the scar and healthy tissues in such a way to provide additional support for future earring placement. There is also a technique to perform a flap repair in a way to allow a light stud placement and defect repair in the same operation.

Dr. Rayham will discuss with you the most appropriate method for your torn earlobe repair during your visit with him in the offices in New York City, Brooklyn or Staten Island.

Q: What Should I Anticipate After the Procedure?

Patients usually tolerate this procedure without significant discomfort. After surgery most patients do not need any pain medication. A couple of doses of Tylenol or Advil may be beneficial for those who feel slight ache at the repair site. The discomfort usually disappears within twenty four hours. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment is placed over the repair area. You may wash your hair. Avoid using blow dryer until sensation return to prevent accidental burning of your earlobes. The sutures usually get removed in the office in five to seven days.

Q: When Can I Wear Earrings After Procedure?

If the earlobe was rebuilt with a hole for jewelry, you will have a suture in the hole at the end of surgery. The new hole is still quite weak and you should hold off trying small posts for at least six weeks after surgery. Avoid heavier jewelry for at least three months after surgery. Clip on earrings may be worn starting six weeks after procedure. All the above time periods may need to be prolonged if you still have sensitivity at the surgical site.

If repair was performed without a hole, you should wait at least six months, or preferably even longer, before you pierce your ear and start putting earrings. You may wear clip on earring starting at about six weeks after procedure.

If your ear has been closed and you want a new hole pierced, you should wait for about six months for the scar to become soft before you try to pierce your ears again.

Dr. Rayham will be happy to discuss with you additional details of torn earlobe repair procedure and postoperative care in his offices in New York City, Brooklyn or Staten Island.

Q: Am I a Candidate for Torn Earlobes Repair?

You may be a candidate for a torn earlobe repair if you have a fully or partially torn earlobe. You overall health status is usually not a limiting factor since this procedure is performed under local anesthesia without any potential risks of sedation or general anesthesia. Click here if you’d like to email Dr. Rayham with a question or a concern.

We also encourage you to call us toll free 1-866-435-5357 or 1-877-Dr.Rayham (1-877-377-2942) to speak with Dr. Rayham or RR Plastix New York Plastic Surgery Center experienced office staff.