In this blog, our dermatologist answers questions related to stretched, torn or gauged earlobes and how to repair them.
I had gauges in my ears for a long time – can these be closed up? Yes, earlobes that have been stretched by gauges can be repaired with surgery.
My ear piercing was ripped open by an earring – can this be repaired? An earlobe that has been ripped open by an earring is what we consider a torn earlobe. A torn earlobe can easily be repaired in a 30-minute visit.
How is an ear lobe repair done? An earlobe repair is performed by doing a small excision of the stretched or torn tissue and then suturing the edges together.
How long does an ear lobe repair take? Depending on how severe the tear or how large the gauges are, earlobe repairs typically take anywhere from 30-60 minutes.
How long will I have to keep the stiches in after my ear lobe repair? The sutures are typically in place for 5-7 days.
Will my ear lobe be sore after it’s repaired and for how long? The earlobe may be sore for a day or 2 after the surgery. It is typically well tolerated occasionally requiring Tylenol for pain control.
Will I need pain killers after my ear lobe repair? No, prescription pain medications are not required or given for earlobe repairs. I recommend Tylenol for pain control after the procedure if needed.
What kind of anesthetic do you use for ear lobe repairs? We use a local anesthetic called lidocaine with epinephrine to numb the area before starting the procedure.
About how much will an ear lobe repair cost? This is variable depending on the severity of the repair. Typically a repair will range from $350 to $500.
Does insurance cover ear lobe repairs? No, this is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Can I get my ears pierced again after an ear lobe repair? Yes, you can get the ear pierced after the procedure. I typically recommend that you wait 6 weeks and do not have them re-pierce directly through the scar from the repair.
Can my ear lobes get repaired multiple times? Yes, it is possible to repair and earlobe more than once. This would be something that would need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
If you’re interested in an appointment to have your earlobes repaired, please call us at 865-545-0900.
