Ear Lobe Repair Surgeon in Oakland, Bay Area, and Walnut Creek California

Ear lobe repair is usually necessary because of damage to the earlobe by earrings. If the ear is not properly pierced, the hole may be located too close to the edge and heavy earrings can drag on the earlobe, ultimately creating a rip in the ear. An over eager toddler may yank too hard on an earring or a dangling earring may become caught without your knowledge. For years, many women and men felt they had no choice but to live with the painful, and at times embarrassing, consequences of these accidents. Today, earlobe reconstruction is an increasingly common and safe cosmetic surgery that can repair your stretched or torn ear.

Earlobe repair procedure

Depending on the type of tear, reconstruction may take on different forms. Dr. Moulton-Barrett will work with you to determine the best medical option that is also most aesthetically pleasing to correct your tear. A flap repair technique is typically used to reshape and correct your torn ear. This technique also helps to minimize scaring. We use clear stitches that will not be visible. Injection of local anesthetic numbs the earlobe. The anesthesia will wear off after several hours, and most patients do not require any pain medication, other than Tylenol or Advil.

If you wish to have your ears re-pierced, they can be done so on the day of the surgery. For proper healing, it is recommended you keep the new studs in your ears for at least two months following the surgery.

Postoperative care and healing

There is virtually no down time following earlobe reconstruction. To prevent infection, you will need to wash and disinfect your ear with soap and water and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. You should also take care while blow drying your hair so as not to inadvertently burn your ear. Your stitches will be removed approximately two weeks following surgery. You may wear clip-on earring six weeks following the surgery, or change your studs approximately two months following surgery. These time frames are an estimate, and may be adjusted if there is any sensitivity at the surgical site. To protect against tears in the future, we suggest you wear only light weight studs.