Understanding Earlobe Repair: What You Need to Know

Earlobe repair is a procedure to correct problems with torn, stretched, or damaged earlobes. Many patients will seek this treatment due to trauma from wearing heavy earrings or accidental tears that may occur. Here’s a look at what earlobe repair at Findley Dermatology entails, why it might be needed, and what you can expect from the process.

What Is Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring the normal appearance of the earlobes. It involves reconstructing the damaged or stretched earlobe to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and functional result. The repair can address a range of issues, such as:

  • Torn Earlobes: Resulting from trauma, such as an earring getting caught or pulled.

  • Stretched Earlobes: Often due to wearing heavy earrings or gauges.

  • Congenital Defects: Birth defects that may have caused abnormal earlobe shapes or sizes.

Why Is Earlobe Repair Needed?

Most patients seek earlobe repair for both cosmetic and functional improvement, the latter generally involving an inability to wear smaller or stud earrings.  This issue is often a source of self-consciousness for our patients. Earlobe repair will restore a natural look and function, enabling patients to enjoy wearing earrings and enhance their overall appearance and self-esteem.

What Is the Earlobe Repair Process Like?

The earlobe repair procedure is performed under local anesthesia right in our office. Here's a step-by-step outline of what you can expect:

  1. Consultation: This is recommended to discuss your treatment plan with Dr. Findley. She will take a thorough history, evaluate your earlobes, and discuss your goals for treatment.  She will recommend the most appropriate repair and technique based on the extent of damage to the earlobe and discuss expectations for when re-piercing is appropriate.

  2. Procedure: The repair involves removing damaged tissue and carefully suturing the earlobe to restore its normal shape. Generally, one can expect a few weeks of healing. 

  3. Recovery: Post-procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with ice and over-the-counter pain medication. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to keep the area clean and when to expect and schedule follow-up visits.

  4. Results: Patients will observe immediate improvement in the appearance of their earlobe.  Like many procedures, long-term healing is best appreciated over the next six months.  Dr. Findley is available upon request to re-pierce the ears at an appropriate time after this procedure as well.

Common Questions About Earlobe Repair

  • How long is the recovery period? Recovery time is generally quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. Full healing may take several months.

  • Will there be noticeable scars? The procedure is designed to minimize scarring. Dr. Findley always strives for a barely perceptible scar.

  • When can I get my ears re-pierced? Dr. Findley will determine the time frame from correction to piercing, but generally, re-piercing can occur within six months of the procedure. She will provide guidelines on when it is appropriate to resume wearing earrings and what to avoid in the future to prevent the earlobe from tearing or stretching again.


If you’re considering this procedure, call our office at 401-415-8586 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Findley.

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