Earlobe Repair
- Can be performed under local anesthesia
- Allows earlobes to be re-pierced
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What is An Earlobe Repair?
Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure in which tissue is removed and other tissue is reoriented to help address alterations in the shape and size of the earlobe, usually due to the use of earrings and/or gauges. Skin is removed from the underlying fat of the earlobe in specific locations. These areas of exposed fat are then approximated and the skin closed around them. These repairs can range from a simple closure of a split earlobe to more complex procedures when the earlobe skin has been stretched long and thin by a gauge. There is a high degree of variability in the surgical approach to earlobe repair. The purpose of earlobe repair is to restore a more natural-appearing shape to the earlobes and to prepare the earlobes for re-piercing in the future.
What Conditions Does the Procedure Address?
Earlobe repair helps address conditions related to age and/or the long-time use of earrings and gauges, which can distort the appearance of the earlobes. The conditions earlobe repair can help address include:
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
The desire for youthfulness is understandable. There is no area more important than the face. After all, the face cannot be hidden. It is how we present ourselves to the world. Dr. Harmon works with a refined eye and trained hands to develop a personalized treatment plan with you, utilizing advanced techniques in surgical and non-surgical care of the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair.
Fellowship trained facial plastic surgeons have a unique specialized skill set in performing surgical and non-surgical procedures on the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair. The pathway to becoming a facial plastic surgeon begins with five years of rigorous training in head and neck surgery. This training is focused on all aspects of surgery for the head and neck, in addition to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
A small pool of top performing graduates from head and neck surgery programs are then selected to complete sub-specialty training as a fellow in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Dr. Harmon completed his fellowship in facial plastic surgery through the AAFPRS with the world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono on Park Avenue in New York City. Dr. Jacono is world renowned for developing the extended deep plane facelift technique. Dr. Harmon is one of the few surgeons in the world, and the only surgeon in the Cincinnati area, fellowship trained in this technique by Dr. Jacono.
Quad A Accredited Surgery Suite
Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to have a Quad A accredited operating room and facility in our office. Our single-physician, single-specialty facility meets or exceeds the strict guidelines and high standards set forth by Quad A, demonstrating our strong commitment to patient safety and excellence in surgical care. We utilize the services of board-certified anesthesiology physicians only as well as our own personal clinical support staff to ensure the most comfortable, safest experience for our clients.
Overview of the Procedure
The team at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery works tirelessly to prepare patients well for surgery. The time spent with patients and resources provided facilitates a smooth transition from surgery through recovery. The following overview is a broad summary of the information provided to patients:
Procedure Consultation
Expect a detailed, informative discussion with Dr. Harmon about your concerns and aesthetic goals. He will develop a personalized treatment plan to address these concerns and goals.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Patients receive a packet with detailed pre-operative instructions prior to surgery. This packet includes information on what supplements and medications to hold prior to surgery, activity restrictions, and what supplies are necessary for post-operative recovery. Prescriptions are sent prior to surgery with instructions on their use. Finally, if medical clearance is required, a form detailing the necessary clearance and testing is provided to present to their primary care provider.
Day of Treatment
Patients are instructed to arrive at the office in comfortable clothes. The surgical plan is discussed with the patient in detail. Paperwork is completed. Photos are usually taken pre-operatively. Finally, the patient meets the surgical team, which may include nurses, anesthesiologists, and/or scrub technologists, depending on the procedure(s) and type of anesthesia used.
Follow-Up Appointment
Follow up for suture removal is usually approximately seven (7) days after surgery.
Social Readiness
Bruises and swelling are expected after surgery. Sutures will be visible until they are removed. However, most patient feel comfortable socializing within twenty four (24) hours of surgery, especially if they have long hair that can cover the ears.
Ideal Candidates for Earlobe Repair
Patients have concerns about the appearance of their earlobes secondary to age-related changes, the use of gauges, and/or trauma. Earlobe repair can help address these concerns. Ideal candidates for earlobe repair include those patients who demonstrate:
- A stretched earlobe piercing
- A split earlobe piercing
- A stretched earlobe from the use of gauges
- Stretched earlobes secondary to volume loss with age
Most candidates for earlobe repair range in age from twenties (20s) to seventies (70s). A consultation is essential to determine candidacy for the procedure, because there may be factors that preclude this procedure for certain individuals. Reasonable expectations must be established about what earlobe repair can and cannot accomplish as with all plastic surgery procedures. As with all facial plastic surgery procedures, results can vary.
What to Expect from Recovery
Recovery from earlobe repair is specific to the individual. The duration of recovery will vary from person to person.
The initial recovery time for earlobe repair is approximately seven (7) to ten (10) days for most individuals. The healing process does not end after ten (10) days, however. For example, the incisions continue to heal for months after surgery.
Initial recovery
Benefits of Earlobe Repair
The potential benefits of earlobe repair include:
- Closure of a stretched earlobe piercing
- Restoration of the contours of the earlobe
- Restoration of the size of the earlobe
- Ability to re-pierce the earlobe
Risks of Earlobe repair
The potential risks of earlobe repair include, but are not limited to:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Abnormal scarring
Combine Earlobe Repair with Other Facial Enhancements
Earlobe repair complements almost any other facial plastic surgery procedure well. Moreover, earlobe repair can be performed with almost any other facial plastic surgery procedure because the incisions do not overlap those of other procedures. The procedures that complement earlobe repair well include, but are not limited to:
Deep Plane Facelift
Earlobe repair combines seamlessly with a deep plane facelift, which may support a more youthful harmony to the entire face. While the facelift repositions deeper facial structures, repairing stretched or torn earlobes can help reflect a refined appearance.
Blepharoplasty
Combining earlobe repair with eyelid surgery brings focus to both subtle and expressive facial features. Together, these treatments may rejuvenate the upper and lower face for a softer, more refreshed look.
Brow lift
A brow lift can elevate the upper third of the face, creating a more alert and lifted appearance. When performed alongside earlobe repair, it contributes to a balanced and polished facial aesthetic from top to bottom.
Rhinoplasty
While rhinoplasty can refine the center of the face, earlobe repair helps correct imperfections at the periphery. Together, they may fine-tune both prominent and overlooked details.
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser resurfacing supports skin texture revitalization, complementing the subtle precision of earlobe repair. This combination may brighten overall skin quality while addressing specific aesthetic concerns.
Facial fat grafting
Fat grafting helps restore volume and softness to areas of the face that have hollowed with age. Paired with earlobe repair, it may further enhance fullness for a more natural, youthful appearance.
Fillers
Injectable fillers can enhance volume and symmetry around the cheeks, jawline, or mouth, refining facial contours that frame the ears. When combined with earlobe repair, they may deliver a subtle enhancement.
Botox©
Botox© can soften lines and refine muscle activity around the brows, eyes, or mouth. Used in conjunction with earlobe repair, they help create a smooth, cohesive, and refreshed look without drawing attention to any one area.
Book Your Consultation
Take the first step toward your aesthetic goals with a personalized consultation. Dr. Harmon will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through your options. Schedule your consultation today and discover how expert care can make a difference.
FAQ
What type of anesthesia is required?
Earlobe repair can usually be performed under local anesthesia or under IV sedation. Some individuals may require general anesthesia.
If I am having my earlobe repaired due to the use of gauges in my earlobe(s), can the shape of my earlobe(s) be returned to the same shape it/they was/were prior to the placement of gauges?
It is unlikely that the earlobe(s) can be returned to the same shape it/they was/were before. However, the earlobes can be repaired to create more normal-appearing earlobes. The more the earlobe(s) have been stretched due to gauge use, the less like they will look like the earlobes originally did.
Can you perform an "earlobe lift" for drooping earlobes?
Yes. Dr. Harmon can lift a drooping earlobe with a carefully-placed incision that preserves the nature structure and shape of the earlobe.
Is earlobe repair a painful procedure?
Facial plastic surgery procedures are generally well-tolerated by patients and typically involve little pain, especially when compared with surgery on other areas of the body. Patients are usually prescribed just a small amount of pain medication for after surgery. In fact, we have found most use only over-the-counter pain medication including acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen after surgery instead. And those who do use the prescribed pain medication usually only use it the first night after surgery. With that in mind, it is important to note that every patient perceives and processes pain differently. Some patients have a high pain tolerance. Others may be more predisposed to be more sensitive to pain. We at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery are focused on balancing minimizing post-operative discomfort and maximizing safety.
Written by Dr. Harmon
Discover the expertise and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Harmon, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community. A former collegiate athlete and Cornell University graduate, Dr. Harmon brings discipline, precision, and a global perspective to his surgical practice—refined through elite fellowship training in New York City.
Located in Hyde Park, Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout the Cincinnati area offering personalized facial aesthetics with world-class skill and a hometown heart.