Earlobe tears are a common issue faced by both men and women when a pierced earlobe may encounter trauma from heavy earrings, a sudden pull on earrings, or simply due to poor piercing techniques. Torn earlobes can be classified either as a complete tear or a partial tear. A complete tear usually occurs when the earring is pulled out of the pierced hole cutting the lower part of the earlobe into two parts. A partial tear happens when the pierced hole is elongated, but not severed through the earlobe.
Earlobe repair technique
The earlobe is repaired by a simple minimally invasive surgery, as an outpatient procedure. The tear is corrected by appropriate technique depending on the extent of the tear. Sutures are placed and are left for a period of 12-14 days. The original shape of the earlobe will be maintained. Patients can resume back to their work on the same day after the surgery.
After the surgery, a minimum healing time of 3-6 months is required to allow good healing of the wound. Re-piercing of the earlobe can be performed after 3-6 months of surgery. Very lightweight earrings must be used as the repaired earlobes are weaker than uninjured earlobes. The piercing is done outside the scar tissue to avoid reopening the prior tear.
FAQs
Earlobe sutures are left in place for a period of 12-14 days. The wound can take 3 to 6 months for the wound to heal completely post which you can re-pierce the ear.
The earlobe is repaired by a simple minimally invasive surgery, as an outpatient procedure. The tear is corrected by appropriate technique depending on the extent of the tear.