Earlobe Repair Surgery

Women and men wear ear jewelry to enhance their looks. Since ancient times rings, posts, and other objects have adorned ears. Various parts are pierced to hold these items in place. However, the effect of weight/ gravity and/ or trauma can pull through tissue resulting in a split earlobe. This defect is usually very visible and hard to cover with hair or clothing.

The soft earlobe is made of skin and fat. Other parts of the ear have cartilage for structural strength. Since the tissue over the cartilage is thin, contour irregularities of the cartilage are easily seen. Reestablishing the delicate shape of the underlying cartilage adds complexity to reconstruction.

The tiny wires that hold jewelry can tear through the tissue when sharply yanked or with enough pressure slowly over time. Larger loops and bigger items are more easily snagged. Small posts are less likely targets, but can still cause damage. Large or heavy items will gradually elongate the hole and eventually will tear through the lobe. Larger masses have more momentum, and damage happens more easily during activity. If you cannot live without your heavy jewelry, be careful about quick movements. Lighter, smaller adornments are safer.  Unwanted gauged earlobes can be addressed with a minimally invasive in office procedure.