Earlobe Repair
Your earlobes are the soft, sensitive, and fleshy part of your ears that are made of areolar and adipose connective tissues and do not have cartilage.
At times, due to heavy earrings, danglers, or some other piece of jewellery (like trendy and modern gauges), the earlobe may be damaged, torn, or enlarged to an extent that can’t be fixed naturally. Ageing can also be one of the contributors that can tear the earlobes almost to the edge of ears and make them look large in size, droopy, and deflated.Whatever the cause of the damage may be, the result can make patients feel self-conscious. Fortunately, there is help available.
The damaged or enlarged earlobes can be restored to a normal shape and position with the help of the earlobe repair surgery (otoplasty).
HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?
The procedure is performed under a local anaesthesia. A small incision is made on the ear lobe, and then the lobe is stitched back together.
The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the extent of the damage to be fixed. Sutures (if not dissolving) are removed in around a week.
Healing may take approximately 6 to 8 weeks. In some rare circumstances, patients may take longer to heal. These cases usually involve factors such as improper care, smoking, or a weakened immune system.
IS THERE ANY PREPARATION REQUIRED BEFORE THE SURGERY?
Earlobe surgery is a very simple surgery, but just like any other surgery, if certain precautions are taken pre- and post-surgery, it can help give you a much speedier recovery.
These include:
Stop any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or Ibuprofin at least 2 weeks before the surgery. Dr. Togerson will advise you in advance if there are any medications that you have to take before the surgery.
It is suggested to stop smoking at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance.
Advise your surgeon of any prescription or over-the-counter medication, vitamins, or herbal supplements, as it is possible that some of these could interact with medication that Dr. Torgerson prescribes or could even negatively affect your bleeding during the surgery.
PRECAUTIONS
The patient may take a bath or shower 48 hours after the surgery, but they have to be careful that they don’t wet the dressing. Even after the dressing is removed, make sure not to directly expose the incision site to water.
Use sun block after the bandage is removed around the operated area, as it is prone to sunburn.
The patient should allow for 10 weeks of healing time before re-piercing is done.
Do not smoke for at least a few weeks following the procedure, as it can delay healing.
Do not drink alcohol for at least a few weeks, as it can delay healing.
Sleep in a position that will not put pressure on the ear that was operated on.
Additional Articles
State-Of-The-Art Surgical Facility
Our facility offers a luxurious, comfortable and private setting for consultations and surgery with a waiting room that is both spacious and inviting. Although we hope you don’t have to spend too much time waiting to see Dr. Torgerson, within a few minutes you will feel relaxed and at ease.
