There are a number of ways the earlobes can be damaged, stretched or torn, whether by heavy earrings, gauges, snagged or pulled earrings, or other trauma.
What is earlobe repair surgery?
Earlobe repair is a reconstructive plastic surgery procedure that is designed to restore earlobes that have been damaged in any way. This customized procedure may be performed with different techniques, depending on what is required for each individual to achieve earlobe rejuvenation.
Earlobe restoration with Dr. Pontell
Regardless of how your earring injury came about, your earlobes can be repaired and restored by Dr. Pontell with a simple surgical procedure.
Dr. Pontell will begin with a consultation to assess the current condition of your earlobes. Based on the trauma, he will recommend which restoration method to use and design a surgical plan customized for you.
Earring accidents or other trauma
The earlobes can be split by earrings getting snagged or pulled by children. Other trauma to the earlobes, including dog bites or other accidents, can leave the earlobes ripped or damaged.
Ear gauges or earring holes
Ear gauges are purposely designed to stretch the earlobes. When they are placed, holes significantly larger than the small hole of earring piercings are created. Even after the gauges are removed, the holes remain, They will shrink over time, but the hole will not disappear, and the earlobe will be permanently altered.
Patients who would like to wear earrings again but can’t due to the gauge holes, or who would like to restore their earlobes to their original appearance, or who no longer want a piercing of any kind, can have their earlobes repaired.
What happens during earlobe repair surgery?
Torn earlobe surgery typically requires only a local anesthetic. The technique Dr. Pontell will use depends on how much tissue was lost and the nature of the earlobe injury. Dr. Pontell’s technique will follow the surgical plan he designs and customizes for you to address your specific needs, whether a wound needs to be closed, tissue redistributed, or the earlobe reshaped.
If hole repair is needed, Dr. Pontell will remove skin from around the hole and stitch the earlobe closed. For cases requiring more extensive reconstruction, Dr. Pontell may use a small flap to redesign and reconstruct the earlobe.
He will use absorbable sutures and specific suturing techniques to minimize scarring and leave the earlobe looking naturally and completely restored.
Am I a candidate for earlobe repair surgery?
Patients who have suffered earlobe trauma or would like to reshape and renew their earlobes are candidates for earlobe repair surgery in Philadelphia. Ideal candidates for earlobe repair should meet the following requirements:
- Are in good health generally
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations about what earlobe repair surgery can achieve
- Do not have a history of severe scarring
