Earlobe Repair Surgery London & UK
The ears play a fundamental role in maintaining facial proportions and symmetry. The earlobe is easily prone to injury from traumatic insults or earrings. Problems with the earlobe are surprisingly common. Although seen as relatively trivial, they can exert a disproportionately negative effect on self-image and confidence. Fortunately, earlobes can be easily repaired. Earlobe repair surgery is also often referred to as a lobuleplasty.
RELATED: What are the benefits of split earlobe repair?
Earlobe repair is a safe and effective way to correct ears that have been stretched, split or torn by tribal piercings or other earrings. This commonly happens when an ear piercing, sometimes referred to as flesh tunnels, gradually increases its diameter. This is a suitable procedure for men and women with stretched earlobes.
Some people are not happy with the size of their earlobes because they feel that they are too large. In these cases, an earlobe reduction can be performed by removing excess earlobe tissue. When deciding to have earlobe repair, you must consult with a specialist plastic surgeon who has experience in these kinds of repairs.
Expected results after earlobe repair
- Surgical correction of earlobes that have split, stretched, torn or enlarged.
- Surgical correction of earlobes that are abnormal in shape.
- Patients can have hairstyles that do not conceal the ears, giving them renewed confidence.
- Ability to wear a full range of earrings without the risk of them falling out
| Earlobe repair | Fast facts |
|---|---|
| Procedure time ⏳ | 30mins-1 hour |
| Anaesthetic type 💉 | LA |
| Length of stay 🛏 | Day case |
| Up and mobile 🚶🏻♂️ | Same day |
| Washing 🛁 | 3 days |
| Sexual activity ❤️ | 1 week |
| Back to work 📅 | Same day |
| Driving 🚗 | Same day |
| Postoperative garment 👕 | No garment |
| Sleeping 😴 | On back 1 week |
| Exercise 🏃🏽♀️ | 3 days |
| Full recovery 🕺🏻 | 4 weeks |
| Final results 😃 | 6 weeks |
Earlobe repair before and after
Split earlobe repair:
Incomplete Split Earlobe Repair:
Stretched earlobe repair:
Earlobe repair specialists
Centre for Surgery strives to provide every patient with the very highest standard of care. Our plastic surgeons constantly learn about the latest techniques at international conferences to apply to patient care. The expert surgical methods combined with many years of experience result in earlobe repair results that look beautiful and natural-looking that are in harmony with overall facial aesthetics. Centre for Surgery differs from other providers in that our surgeons are sub-specialists and only perform a select range of procedures in which they are recognised as accredited experts.
If you are interested in earlobe repair, why not book a face-to-face consultation with one of our specialist earlobe surgeons? Our surgeons will take time to assess you in full, including selecting the most suitable method of repair customised to your unique needs and preferences. If you wish, a selection of earlobe repair before and after photos of real patients can be shown, what you can expect in terms of results and answer all your questions in detail.
Split and stretched earlobe repair
Expected Results after Earlobe Repair
- Correction of earlobes that have been torn, split or stretched
- Congenital correction of earlobes that were abnormally shaped from birth
- Renewed self-confidence to style hair in such a way as to reveal the earlobes
- Freedom to wear all sorts of earrings with no risk of the earrings falling out
Should I have my earlobes repaired?
Large earrings and plugs will create a hole in the earlobe, which becomes bigger as the diameter of the earring is increased. After a certain size, the earlobe will never contract to its original size and shape. The altered earlobe shape is often difficult to hide, particularly for those with shorter hair.
Sometimes the stretched or split earlobe will negatively impact your appearance and, in some instances, your work or career. In these cases, earlobe repair surgery is an appropriate option.
Dangers of ear stretching
- It can cause an ‘ear blow-out’, which happens when the skin inside of the earlobe is forced out through the back of the piercing
- Earlobe repair is the only option for stretched ears to go back to normal
- Can cause physical pain
Am I suitable?
Earlobe repair surgery is a safe and effective procedure for individuals who have experienced a split or torn earlobe due to trauma, injury, or wearing heavy earrings over time. In general, ideal candidates for earlobe repair surgery include:
- Individuals with split or torn earlobes: Earlobe repair surgery is primarily used to correct split or torn earlobes, which can occur due to various reasons, including injury or prolonged wear of heavy earrings.
- Individuals in good overall health: As with any surgical procedure, it is important that patients are in good overall health and do not have any underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications.
- Non-smokers: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, so it is recommended that patients refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery.
- Individuals with realistic expectations: It is important that patients have realistic expectations for the results of the surgery and understands that the goal of earlobe repair surgery is to restore the natural appearance of the earlobe, rather than to achieve perfection.
- Individuals who are committed to post-operative care: Proper post-operative care is essential to ensure the best possible healing and minimise the risk of complications. Patients must be willing to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments.
Preparation for earlobe repair
Earlobe repair can be performed on a ‘see and treat’ basis on the same day as the consultation provided our patient coordinators are informed of your preference at the consultation booking stage. The earlobe repair procedure is performed under local anaesthetic as an outpatient. After earlobe repair surgery, you must follow all the necessary postoperative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
You should avoid taking aspirin-containing medicines before the procedure for at least one week beforehand. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours beforehand, as smoking tobacco and alcohol impair the wound healing process.
If you have the procedure under local anaesthetic only (with no oral sedation), you may drive home afterwards.
Earlobe Repair Surgical Techniques
There are several techniques that can be used in earlobe repair surgery, and the best technique will depend on the extent and location of the injury.
- Simple Closure: Simple closure is the most common technique used for repairing a split or torn earlobe. This technique involves making a small incision to remove any excess tissue and then carefully stitching the edges of the earlobe back together. The stitches used in this technique are typically dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
- Z-plasty: Z-plasty is a technique that can be used to repair earlobes with a diagonal or irregular tear. This technique involves making diagonal incisions in the surrounding tissue and then repositioning the tissue to create a Z-shaped pattern. The new shape of the earlobe helps to improve the appearance and minimize scarring.
- Wedge Excision: Wedge excision is a technique that can be used to repair earlobes with a larger or more complex tear. This technique involves removing a small wedge-shaped section of tissue from the earlobe and then carefully stitching the edges back together.
- Lobe Recontouring: Lobe recontouring is a technique that can be used to correct elongated or stretched earlobes. This technique involves removing excess tissue and then reshaping the earlobe to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Our surgeons reconstruct all types of earlobe deformities using meticulous plastic surgery techniques.
- Split earlobe repair
- Stretched earlobe repair
- Tribal earlobe repair
Earlobe repair – step by step
Here is a step-by-step description of an earlobe repair surgery:
- Anaesthesia: The patient is given local anaesthesia to numb the earlobe, which will ensure that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.
- Cleaning the earlobe: The surgeon cleans the earlobe with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
- Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision on the earlobe to access the area that needs to be repaired.
- Tissue removal: The surgeon removes any excess tissue or debris from the area of the earlobe that has been damaged or torn.
- Stitching the earlobe: The surgeon then carefully stitches the edges of the earlobe back together, using either a simple closure technique or a more complex technique such as Z-plasty or wedge excision.
- Dressing: The surgeon places a dressing over the earlobe to protect it and ensure proper healing.
- Postoperative care: The surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the earlobe after the procedure. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking any prescribed medications.
The entire earlobe repair procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete, and the patient can usually go home the same day. The earlobe may be sore and swollen for a few days after the procedure, but most patients are able to resume normal activities within a short period of time. With proper care, the earlobe can heal and regain its natural appearance.
Recovery after earlobe repair surgery
Earlobe repair is a procedure with very little discomfort. The recovery period is characteristically expeditious. Your surgeon may prescribe you a special antibiotic ointment to apply to the earlobes or a special brown tape may be applied to the earlobes, which is dependent upon the surgical techniques employed.
In most cases, there is no discomfort, but your surgeon may recommend over-the-counter painkillers in the event of any prolonged soreness. Bruising and swelling are temporary phenomena expected to disappear in a few weeks after the procedure. Once the repair is fully healed, you can have your ears re-pierced.
You should avoid wearing polar neck jumpers or pressing your phone close to your earlobe for about a week after the procedure. You should also avoid direct sun exposure to the area and avoid the use of harsh soaps to facilitate excellent healing. It is perfectly fine to return to work straightaway – there is no downtime with earlobe repair surgery. However, you may wish to consider having your procedure at the end of the week to allow some rest over the weekend.
When can I re-pierce my ears after earlobe repair?
The timing for repiercing the ears after earlobe repair surgery can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s healing process. In general, it is recommended that patients wait at least six weeks after the surgery before repiercing their ears.
During the healing process, the earlobe may be sore and swollen, and it is important to avoid putting pressure on the earlobe or wearing any earrings that could interfere with the healing process. Repiercing the ears too soon can delay the healing process or cause further damage to the earlobe.
Once the six-week period has passed, it is important to choose high-quality, hypoallergenic earrings that are appropriate for newly pierced ears. Patients should avoid wearing heavy earrings or anything that could put pressure on the earlobe for several weeks after repiercing.
It is important to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully and wait until the earlobe is fully healed before repiercing the ears. This can help to ensure the best possible healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Risks and potential complications after earlobe repair surgery
As with any surgical procedure, earlobe repair surgery does carry some risks and potential complications. However, serious complications are rare, and most patients are able to recover without any major issues.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection with any surgical procedure. Patients can reduce the risk of infection by keeping the area clean and following their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after surgery, but excessive bleeding can occur in rare cases. Patients should notify their surgeon if they experience any unusual bleeding.
- Scarring: While the goal of earlobe repair surgery is to minimise scarring, some scarring may occur. Scarring can be minimised with proper wound care and following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
- Poor wound healing: In rare cases, the earlobe may not heal properly, leading to delayed healing or other complications. This is more common in individuals who smoke or have underlying medical conditions.
- Nerve damage: There is a risk of nerve damage with any surgical procedure, but this is rare with earlobe repair surgery. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, or other sensory changes in the earlobe.
- Allergic reaction: Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the anaesthesia or other materials used during the surgery.
- Unsatisfactory results: While earlobe repair surgery is generally safe and effective, some patients may not be satisfied with the results. It is important to have realistic expectations and discuss any concerns with your surgeon before the surgery.
Overall, while the risks and potential complications associated with earlobe repair surgery are rare, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in earlobe repair to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible results. It is also important to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Cost of ear lobe repair
There are a number of factors which will impact the final cost of your earlobe repair procedure:
- Primary or revision earlobe repair
- One or both earlobes
- Complex corrections such as tribal earlobes
- Earlobe reduction
Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators, who can give you a rough costing before your earlobe repair procedure?
Remember that price should never be the determining factor when choosing your provider. We feel that safety and quality of service should be your number one priority and instil in you the confidence that our team will look after you before, during and after your procedure to the best of their ability.
Why choose Centre for Surgery for Earlobe Repair?
Centre for Surgery is a plastic surgery clinic committed to providing all our patients with the highest standards of medical care. Our specialist plastic surgeons are always learning to keep abreast of the latest advances in their practice field. This ensures patients get optimal results. With the use of microsurgical techniques combined with years of experience, all our earlobe repair patients can achieve natural earlobes in overall facial harmony.
Our surgeons are recognised sub-specialists, and we believe this helps to achieve superior outcomes compared with general plastic surgeons. By performing a smaller number of procedures extremely well, outcomes are better compared with surgeons who perform lots of different procedures less frequently.
What is included in my treatment package?
- As many preoperative consultations with your surgeon as you like to make sure the procedure is right for you
- Treatment at a specialist day surgery facility recently rated ‘Good’ by the CQC
- Enhanced same-day discharge with the added benefits of recovering in your own home
- 24/7 clinical support from your surgeon for the first 48 hours and our expert postoperative support team
- Your very own dedicated patient coordinator
- In-depth preoperative medical assessment to make sure you are fully fit for the rhinoplasty procedure
- Exceptionally high standards of postoperative care are described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, with regular telephone and face-to-face checks by our expert postoperative support team.
RealSelf Top Doctors for earlobe repair
RealSelf’s top doctor status is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf doctor community. This status is earned by achieving consistently high patient satisfaction (from RealSelf reviews), getting excellent feedback on expert answers to patient questions, and investing significant time in Q&A and other doctor activities. RealSelf’s top doctors are rated among the very best surgeons in the UK.
If you are interested in earlobe repair, we recommend booking a private consultation with one of our specialist plastic surgeons. Our surgeons will take time to assess you carefully and fully and then advise the most earlobe repair technique to get optimal results.
RELATED: Earlobe Surgery Near Me
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FAQs
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When should I have earlobe repair surgery?You need an earlobe repair surgery if you feel that stretched or split earlobes are affecting your appearance impacting your work and career, the earlobe repair surgical team at Centre for Surgery can provide a full range of surgical treatment options.
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How is earlobe repair surgery performed?Anaesthesia: The surgeon will begin by administering local anaesthesia to numb the earlobe and surrounding area.
Cleaning the earlobe: The surgeon will clean the earlobe with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
Incision: The surgeon will then make a small incision to remove any excess tissue or debris from the area of the earlobe that has been damaged or torn.
Stitching the earlobe: The surgeon will carefully stitch the edges of the earlobe back together using a fine suture material. The stitches used are typically dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
Dressing: The surgeon will place a small dressing over the earlobe to protect it and ensure proper healing.
Post-operative care: The surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the earlobe after the procedure. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking any prescribed medications.
The entire earlobe repair procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete, and the patient can usually go home the same day. The earlobe may be sore and swollen for a few days after the procedure, but most patients are able to resume normal activities within a short period of time. With proper care, the earlobe can heal and regain its natural appearance. -
What anaesthetic is used?Earlobe repair is performed under a local anaesthetic. This means you will be awake during the procedure but unable to feel any discomfort in the treatment area.
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How long does earlobe repair take?The length of time it takes to perform an earlobe repair surgery can vary depending on the extent of the injury or damage to the earlobe. In general, the procedure can be completed in about 30 minutes to an hour.
Earlobe repair is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient can go home the same day as the surgery. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the earlobe and surrounding area, so the patient should not experience any pain during the procedure.
After the surgery, the patient will need to follow the surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking any prescribed medications.
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Does earlobe repair hurt?Earlobe repair surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the earlobe and surrounding area. As a result, patients generally do not feel any pain during the procedure.
After the surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and tenderness in the earlobe area, but this can usually be managed with pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days to a week after the surgery.
It is important to follow the surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully and avoid putting pressure on the earlobe while it is healing. Patients should also avoid wearing any earrings or other jewelry on the affected earlobe until it has fully healed. -
What is the recovery period like?The procedure has zero downtime which means the recovery period is fast with minimal discomfort and the patient can take painkillers if needed.
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Are there any risks associated with earlobe repair surgery?The complications linked to the procedure are minimal. Most common risks usually are infection, excessive scar formation, and notching, but these can be minimised with maximum safety optimisation.
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Will I be left with scars?There will be small scars on the ears which will look red after the surgery, but will eventually fade to a pale silvery colour. The earlobe should look almost completely normal with no obvious signs of the previous piercing after 4-6 months.
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Will I be able to wear earrings again?Yes, ears can be re-pierced 2 months after the operation has taken place.
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Why is it important to stay out of the sun during the healing phase?Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause hyperpigmentation of the the incision lines. Our doctors therefore recommend staying out of direct sunlight for at least one week after the procedure.
What To Expect
The consultation
After you have decided to learn more about earlobe repair, we would recommend a face-to-face consultation with one of our expert earlobe repair surgeons as the first step in your journey towards achieving a full aesthetic earlobe correction. When you meet with one of our surgeons, your surgeon will listen carefully to what you hope to achieve and give you an expert opinion on what can and cannot be achieved after performing a thorough physical examination of the ears.
Your surgeon will also take several measurements for a detailed facial analysis. Finally, high-resolution photographs are taken from several views of the ears from different angles. Your surgeon will also discuss the potential risks and complications of earlobe repair and what to expect in the postoperative phase during your healing and recovery. It is important to know what medicines you are taking as some can interfere with blood clotting and may need to be stopped. Any history of medical conditions or previous surgery will also be recorded, and all the compiled information will be used to decide on your medical fitness for the split earlobe repair procedure.
After a recommended two-week cooling-off period and provided you are appropriate for the procedure, you can then decide whether you would like to proceed with the procedure. If you are unsure about any aspect of the procedure and what it entails, we invite you to return for as many follow-up consultations with your surgeon as you like to ensure that earlobe surgery is right for you. The consultation lasts about 30 minutes on average. It may take longer if your procedure is going to be more complex. We would actively recommend attending a follow-up consultation to ensure all your questions are answered.
Before your procedure
Once you have decided to proceed with earlobe repair surgery, our preoperative assessment team will be in touch to assess medical fitness before coming in on the day of surgery. Before your procedure, there are several instructions to follow, including stopping any aspirin-containing medicines as these can increase bleeding and, ideally, stopping smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of slower wound healing and more chance of wound complications. On the day of your procedure, you will have a local anaesthetic, so there is no requirement to fast beforehand.
On the day of your earlobe repair procedure
When you arrive for your earlobe repair procedure, you should aim to arrive on time to allow the admission process to proceed smoothly. One of our nurses will formally admit you and check several items, including ensuring you have your postoperative medications. Your vital signs will be measured, including blood pressure and heart rate. Finally, your surgeon will speak to you before the procedure, followed by a detailed preoperative marking of the earlobes to be treated.
The earlobe repair procedure takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour and is easily performed under a local anaesthetic with or without oral sedation to relax you. The surgeon will first inject the ear lobes with a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Incisions will then be made to expose the earlobe for reshaping. The incisions can be located on the front or back of the earlobe, depending on the degree of correction required. The surgeon will gently separate the redundant earlobe skin. The earlobe repair technique used in your procedure depends on what will be achieved. Once the earlobe has been reshaped, the new position is carefully secured with non-absorbable sutures. There is no need to wear a postoperative support garment. Any scarring from earlobe repair is very minimal.
After the procedure, you will spend time in our recovery suite, where you will be prepared for nurse-led discharge once you have met all the discharge criteria. If you have oral sedation, it is important to have a responsible adult accompany you home and look after you for the first 24 hours.
After your procedure
Once you are safely home, you can be assured of access to our specialist postoperative team around the clock. If there is any concern, you will be given a contact number to contact your surgeon in the first 24 hours after surgery. An earlobe repair procedure is associated with minimal postoperative discomfort, although some discomfort is common for the first week after surgery. Bruising should start to subside after 7-10 days. You should avoid intense sunlight after the procedure to reduce the risk of pigmentary changes.
Our postoperative team will look to call every day for the first two weeks after your procedure. This is so we can monitor your levels of comfort and can alert your surgeon if there is any concern. Our proactive approach allows early detection of potential issues, resulting in more effective treatment. Heavy exercise should be avoided for at least the first week. Our postoperative clinical team will assess you at your 1-week postoperative appointment to ensure healing is progressing normally and the wound site is healthy. A wound check is performed at this time to make sure the wound is healing normally. You will be booked for your surgeon's follow-up appointment six weeks after your procedure.
