Earlobe Repair

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Earlobe Repair

Split Earlobes or Stretched Ear Piercing Defects

Some people experience problems with their earlobes related to ear piercing. This can be due to conventional ear piercing that has become stretched, or from deliberately stretching the earlobe with large ear studs or ear piercing.

This can create one of two problems:

Heavy earrings can stretch a normal, small ear piercing to a defect that is too large to hold a small ear stud, leading to small earrings falling out.

Larger ear studs can leave a larger defect in the stretched earlobe which some people may regret and wish to have repaired. This can be a problem for people wishing to join the Defence Force for example.

What Can Be Done With Split Earlobes

The split earlobe defects and stretched ear piercing defects can be repaired quite simply under local anaesthetic.

There are two main options which can be employed depending on whether one desires to maintain an ear piercing or not.

A small flap of skin can be rotated to maintain the piercing whilst repairing the stretched earlobe defect around it. This gives a linear scar which typically extends down to the ear margin and heals very well.

Alternatively the previous piercing can be excised. This tends to elongate the earlobe which can make it look a little pointy and it may be better to remove a wedge of the earlobe so that it heals with a more normal looking shape. Each situation is slightly different and the technique requires tailoring to the individual.

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and typically takes one hour. It can be done in a Day Surgery or as an office procedure. Deep dissolving sutures are used as well as sutures that are removed the following week. Typically one should not wear piercing for six weeks.

Possible risks of any surgery include:

  • Wound infection
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Haematoma (an accumulation of blood around the surgical site that may require drainage)
  • Heavy bleeding from the incisions
  • Keloid or hypertrophic scars
  • Slow healing
  • Separation of the wound edges
  • Allergies to anaesthetic agents, antiseptics, suture material or dressings
  • Deep vein thrombosis DVT (blood clot in the leg)

Other Facial Options

Browse Dr. Graham Sellars' full range of surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Meet Dr Graham Sellars

Amongst the many things you may look for when choosing a Plastic Surgeon – reputation, experience, cost, compatibility – none can be more important than how well qualified the surgeon is to carry out the procedure you are considering. Always look for the title "Specialist Plastic Surgeon" to ensure your surgeon is fully qualified.

In addition to the establishment and operation of his own practice since 2002, Dr Sellars is one of the supervisors of Plastic Surgery training at the Sydney Adventist Hospital and has served on the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee. He was Chairman of the NSW Chapter of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons from 2011 to 2013 and participates in the training of future Plastic Surgeons in Australia.

After graduating from the University of NSW in 1992, Dr Sellars’ initial surgical training was at the Royal North Shore Hospital...

Why Dr Graham Sellars

Skilled

You know you are in the safest hands with a Plastic Surgeon who is experienced, conservative and highly respected, with over 21 years in private practice. Dr Sellars is a fully qualified Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon FRACS (Plast)..

Skilled

Trusted

We have a very long list of clients and patients delighted with our service and care. Take a look at just a few before and after photos in the gallery to see other’s journey to a new look.

Trusted

Safe

Of course safety is our top priority and our entire team has decades of training and experience. Be assured your plastic surgery journey with us will not be rushed or pressured.

Safe

Phone

02 9480 8577

The San Clinic, Suite 507
185 Fox Valley Road,
Wahroonga NSW 2076

info.sellars@sanclinic.com.au

Fax: 02 9480 8579

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-3pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Send us a message

If your enquiry relates to making an appointment we request you contact the office directly on 02 9480 8577 to find a suitable time for you