Earlobe Repair

Earlobe repair is a procedure that repairs damaged earlobes and reshapes them to balance your facial features. Earlobes that have been torn or stretched can distract from your finer features and prevent you from wearing your jewelry of choice. Earlobe repair is a simple procedure that can restore your self-confidence. 

Dr. Gordon Andan is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon serving New York and the surrounding area who is recognized as highly skilled in facial rejuvenation procedures. At New York Surgical Arts, all of our cosmetic surgery procedures are performed in our AAAHC-accredited operating facility, so you can feel confident about our commitment to your quality of care. Take a moment to schedule a consultation with Dr. Andan to explore your earlobe repair possibilities. If you have any further questions or would prefer to schedule your appointment(s) over the phone, please call our offices in Manhattan or Garden City at (516) 746-0155.

About Earlobe Repair

Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure designed to correct and restore damaged or misshapen earlobes. ⁽¹⁾ The earlobe, made primarily of soft tissue and skin, is a prominent feature of the ear and plays a vital role in overall facial aesthetics. Damage to the earlobe can occur for numerous reasons, including trauma from heavy earrings, pulling on the earlobe, accidents, and/or injuries. ⁽¹⁾ Some patients seek earlobe repair after tears from earrings or previous surgeries that did not yield the desired results. 

Earlobe repair is a specialized procedure that focuses on restoring the natural appearance of the earlobe. Many patients who come to our practice undergo the procedure to reshape the earlobes and/or address aesthetic concerns.

Benefits

Earlobe repair procedures offer patients numerous benefits, all of which can enhance their well-being. At New York Surgical Arts, our careful attention to detail and meticulous planning help patients see results like:

Candidates

Most people who benefit from earlobe repair have worn heavy earrings or plugs in the past, causing their earlobes to stretch. Some earlobes get torn from accidents. Any patient who has torn or damaged earlobes, is dissatisfied with the appearance of their earlobes, and has a desire to improve them can undergo a customized earlobe repair treatment. Potential patients should also be in good general health, have realistic expectations for their results, and be willing to follow all preparation and recovery instructions. Dr. Andan can help you decide on the best approach to attain your appearance goals during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Reaching out for an earlobe repair consultation is crucial in determining a personalized treatment plan. During your visit, Dr. Andan will review your medical history, examine your earlobes, and discuss your aesthetic desires. We will explore various surgical techniques appropriate for your condition and preferences. After he collects this information, he will create a treatment plan that is specific to your anatomy and goals.

This appointment is an opportunity for you to ask questions and gain confidence in your decision. Scheduling a consultation can be done by calling New York Surgical Arts at (516) 746-0155 or by submitting our online contact form.

Preparation

Once your earlobe repair procedure is scheduled, it is important to follow preoperative instructions. Proper preparation contributes immensely to the effectiveness of the procedure and aids in minimizing potential complications. Depending on the scale of the procedure and the anesthesia used, you may be required to arrange transportation. We will also provide more specific preparation instructions based on your goals and medical history.

Procedure

Dr. Andan typically performs earlobe repair under local anesthesia. At the start of your procedure, we will apply a topical anesthetic to the outside of your earlobe. We will also administer an anesthetic to the tissue of the earlobe. The techniques employed in your earlobe repair will depend on the damage your earlobe has sustained and if your earlobes are attached or detached. ⁽²⁾ This genetic difference is important to consider to make your results appear natural.  For smaller tears, Dr. Andan will suture the earlobe together. If an earlobe has been stretched to a greater degree and/or has become ptotic after gauged ear piercings, then Dr. Andan will likely remove this excess tissue and suture the remaining tissue to the bottom of your ear to create a natural appearance. He will carefully stitch the torn ends of the earlobe together using dissolvable sutures, ensuring a secure fit and careful alignment. After making adjustments, he will close the earlobes with sutures and place a protective dressing over them to help your skin heal. The entire procedure usually takes no more than one hour. 

Recovery

Earlobe repair requires little to no downtime. After the procedure, you must avoid holding your phone to the repaired ear(s) for 1 week following your procedure, as well as wearing turtlenecks and other clothes that might disturb your earlobes.

It is normal to have some swelling and bruising immediately after your earlobe repair. Dr. Andan may place small bandages on your earlobes, which he will instruct you to remove after 5 or 6 days. You should sleep with your head slightly elevated above your heart to encourage optimal blood flow. When bathing, only apply gentle pressure on your healing earlobes. It is important to keep them clean, but patients should take measures to avoid disturbing their healing. While you are advised to avoid any activity that may bump or otherwise disturb your ears, you can return to your normal routine as soon as you feel ready to do so.

Results

Most people with split earlobe repair can re-pierce their ears a few months after surgery. You should avoid wearing dangling or heavy earrings for several months after your earlobe repair. After your earlobes heal, you can enjoy a more balanced appearance that aligns with your expectations and overall facial aesthetics. Earlobe repair results are generally long-lasting; however, factors like age may contribute to gradual changes over time.

Corresponding Procedures 

Dr. Andan also offers otoplasty for patients seeking other ear enhancement options. Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a procedure that enhances the appearance of a patient’s ears. Whether one’s ears are too large, too small, extend too far outward, or more, otoplasty can help a patient improve their confidence by sculpting ears they can be proud of. At New York Surgical Arts, otoplasty procedures are performed by Dr. Carey Nease.

Cost of Earlobe Repair in New York City

The cost of your earlobe repair procedure will depend on your treatment plan and aesthetic goals, the techniques employed in your repair, the scale of the procedure, and a handful of other factors. You will receive an accurate price estimate at the end of your consultation. New York Surgical Arts also offers financing options for all of our procedures to help patients achieve their goals while making the treatment more accessible. Schedule your consultation online today to begin planning your earlobe repair treatment. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call our Manhattan or Garden City offices at (516) 746-0155.

FAQ

References

1. Sadasivan K, Kochunarayanan A. A Revised Classification and Treatment Algorithm for Acquired Split Earlobe, With a Description of the Composite Technique and its Outcome. Cureus. Published online September 13, 2020. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10422
2. Scott BL, Anderson Y, Loyo M, Kim MP. Repair of Gauged Earlobes: Case Series and Review of Two Techniques According to Size. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;14(3):351-356. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_116_20