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Whether you’ve regretted a decision from your youth or you’re dealing with the consequences of a poorly handled cosmetic procedure, you don’t need to live with stretched or torn earlobes forever. In fact, earlobe surgery is exceedingly common, and Dr. Jonathan Hall offers an experienced, comfort-focused option for patients in the Boston metropolitan area.

In the United States, earlobe stretching (or “gauging”) gained popularity in the 1990s. Practitioners stretch their earlobes with progressively larger jewelry. While earlobes are fairly flexible, they do not contain any cartilage and are susceptible to damage. Gauges sized 8 millimetres or larger will generally cause a permanent change in the earlobe’s appearance.

The earlobes can also stretch substantially due to other sources of external trauma. For instance, regularly wearing heavy earrings can gradually cause damage. Many patients suffer partial or complete tears when something pulls forcefully on their earring. Regardless of the extent or source of the damage, the vast majority of patients are candidates for corrective surgery.

What to Know About Earlobe Repair Surgery

As with all cosmetic surgeries, earlobe repair begins with a consultation. Your physician will assess the extent of the damage and create a plan.

In most cases, you can expect a straightforward outpatient procedure. You’ll receive a local anesthetic. The physician will cut part of the skin around the hole (or tear) in your earlobe, then use a combination of regular and dissolving sutures to reform the earlobe.

Post-surgical care plays an important role in the procedure’s success. Follow your doctor’s instructions; generally, you’ll clean your ear three times per day for at least one week. You’ll also need to apply an antibiotic ointment regularly for the first week after the surgery.

While most ears recover quickly, you’ll be unable to wear earrings or other ear jewelry for several months. You should have realistic expectations; some minor amount of scarring is normal, though the exact nature of your earlobe damage will certainly play a role. See some of the results Dr. Hall’s patients have received here.

Some amount of pain is normal, but most patients can use over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for a more comfortable recovery. Most patients resume their normal everyday activities within a day or so of the procedure.

Scheduling a Consultation for Earlobe Repair Surgery

Insurers typically define earlobe repair surgery as a cosmetic procedure, so expect to pay for the service out-of-pocket. With that said, the surgery is simple and straightforward, and if you’re working with an experienced physician, you can expect the costs to be affordable.

Jonathan D. Hall, MD, FACS treats every patient like a member of his family, and every member of our staff is dedicated to providing earlobe repair surgery candidates with a comfortable experience. To get started, contact us today to schedule a consultation.