Earlobe Reduction

Artistic Reconstruction at ADAS

WHAT IS THE REPAIR PROCESS FOR TORN EARLOBES?

In most pierced ears, the pierced hole gradually enlarges over time. If it tears, the final tear is usually just through a tiny piece of tissue at the bottom of the lobe. In this case, immediate repair will not take care of the skin covered slot, so reconstruction is delayed until after the wound has healed and inflammation has diminished. However, if the tear starts from a tiny pierced hole, immediate repair is an option.

Depending on the deformity, reconstruction can take different forms. In all methods, the skin lining the slot is removed creating a raw edge to rebuild. When tissue has been lost, however, the procedure is more complicated, and reconstruction involves creating normal proportions around a somewhat small ear.

In repairing the lobe, raw edges are brought directly together using a combination of dissolvable sutures in the deeper layers and skin sutures that are removed after your surgery sometimes. No provision for the jewelry hole is made at this time. After several months of healing, the ear can be pierced again, if desired.

HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT TAKE?

The procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes depending on the complexity of the repair.

WHAT IS THE PRE CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EARLOBE REPAIR PROCEDURE?

Typically, we ask that you discontinue the use of retinoic acid products and glycolic acid products for 3 to 4 days before your earlobe repair procedure. In addition, we will prescribe an antibiotic, which is started 1 day before your procedure. Arnica may be prescribed to reduce bruising. It is also wise to stay out of intense sunlight for up to 1 week prior to your treatment.

HOW MUCH DISCOMFORT CAN I EXPECT?

There is minimal if any discomfort with this treatment. Topical, local and sometimes IV sedation is all that is used. If you are extremely anxious, we can prescribe and anti-anxiety medication regimen which can be taken 1 to 2 hours before your procedure. Someone must drive you to and from the office and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure has been performed. Pain usually is described as moderate for the first 24 hours. This can easily be controlled with cool compresses and pain medications which we will prescribe for you.

WHAT WILL BE MY DOWNTIME?

There can be some minor swelling and redness after surgery which quickly disappears within a matter of days. Redness can persist for up to one week. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment is the only dressing applied in most cases. A little drainage from the wound will be expected.

Sutures absorb by one to two weeks. Our providers will usually see you 1 week after surgery to make sure that you are healing correctly. Plan on a 7 to 14 day healing time.

WHAT ABOUT THE POST OP CARE?

We recommend a very nice post surgical kit. It is important to stay out of intense sun for at least one week after your treatment. We also recommend that you initiate a low dose corticosteroid medication to minimize swelling which occurs in most instances. Concealing makeup, e.g. Jane Iredale™, can be used to minimize redness.

WHEN CAN I WEAR EARRINGS AFTER SURGERY?

You should wait two to three months after surgery before wearing pierced earrings, although clip-on earrings maybe worn immediately if not directly over the repair site. The scar should be soft before you get your lobe re-pierced in the event the entire hole was closed.

For more information on earlobe repair or to set up a consultation, click here or call 904-285-7546. Thank you and we look forward to helping you.