A simple solution to torn and stretched earlobes

If you've ever dealt with a torn earlobe or stretched-out piercing, you know how frustrating it can be and how it can leave you feeling self-conscience. Damaged earlobes, no matter how you got them – heavy earrings, accidental snags or oversized gauges that no longer fit your style – don't have to be permanent. Earlobe repair surgery can get your ears looking and feeling like new again.

We talked to a couple ASPS Member Surgeons who perform the surgery to bring you everything you need to know about earlobe repair.

Earrings cause damage

The soft tissue of the earlobe makes it prone to damage from heavy earrings or accidental tugs that can stretch or tear the tissue.

"Patients can have their earrings pulled out, and a lot of times, that can cause damage to the earlobe. If patients wear heavy earrings for a long period of time, things do stretch out," said Praful Ramineni, MD. "There are also patients who have unique piercings; we've seen patients who have gauges."

If you've ever seen someone with large openings in their earlobes they probably wear or have worn gauges. These large, circular piercings stretch a hole in the earlobe over time. Sometimes, earlobe stretching has cultural or tribal significance, while other times, it's a fashion statement.

Gauges and earrings are the most common cause of stretched earlobes, but attacks and accidents can also tear the lobe.

"There's big traumatic injuries. We see dog bites and things that happen during motor vehicle accidents," said Dr. Ramineni.

Considerations for infants and children

Piercing your child's ears might seem like a cute idea, but there are long-term complications you should know about first.

"Our ears reach adult size around the age of 7," said Nia Banks, MD. "This should be a consideration when deciding when to pierce a child's ear."

An infant's ear piercings might end up too low on the lobe. The ears continues to grow, and gradual changes in size and shape can alter the placement of piercings over time.

"That's where many of us run into trouble because we have ear piercing when we're babies, and then the ear lobe gets bigger," said Dr. Banks. "And now the ear piercing is close to the bottom of the earlobe, not the middle."

Correct placement of the piercing plays a significant role in its durability. If the piercer places the hole too low on the earlobe, it leaves less soft tissue to support the weight of earrings later in life, making the lobe more susceptible to tears or stretching.

What happens during earlobe repair surgery?

Earlobe repair surgery is a minor procedure often done in a plastic surgeon's office under local anesthesia with the patient fully awake.

"For earlobe repair, it's a simple process that pretty much anybody in plastics is able to do," said Dr. Ramineni. "We all see a lot of earlobe tears, and it's something that's easily treated in the office."

The surgeon starts by carefully trimming the excess tissue and then stitching what remains, layer by layer, to create a natural-looking earlobe. Many surgeons can perform minor lobe procedures relatively quickly. Complex cases might call for techniques like flap rearrangement or tissue grafting.

What to expect after surgery

Recovery from earlobe repair surgery is usually quick. You can return to your normal routine right after the procedure, but treat your ears gently for the first few days. It's common to feel a little soreness or notice some swelling, but don't worry – that's normal and goes away quickly.

Stitches usually stay in for about one to two weeks. Your doctor will let you know when it's time to remove them. And yes, you can still wear earrings. You'll be cleared to re-pierce your ears after about a month – just make sure not to re-pierce through the scar tissue since it's not as strong as the rest of your earlobe.

Patients considering earlobe repair will often ask about scarring. While some scarring is inevitable, the results are typically subtle.

"Most of the time, when people are coming in for a repair, they understand that the trade-off for a normal shape is a scar," said Dr. Banks. "But the scars are fairly imperceptible and certainly look better than a ripped earlobe."

Insurance considerations

Most insurance plans don't cover earlobe repair surgery because it's considered a cosmetic procedure. Insurers often label it elective surgery unless the damage was caused by an accident or injury affecting your overall health.

Even then, whether it's covered depends entirely on your specific policy and the reason for the repair. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider if you're considering this procedure.

A lasting solution

Earlobe repair surgery could be the best solution if your lobes are stretched, torn or damaged from gauges, earrings or injuries. It's a simple surgery, and the recovery process is relatively easy.

Just be sure to discuss your options with an ASPS Member Surgeon. With their expertise, you can feel confident you get the best care and results possible.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.