Earlobes are small bundles of skin and fatty tissue, which are strong and flexible to a certain extent. But they’re not as strong compared to other parts of the ear that are mainly cartilage. Earlobe correction (or reconstruction) can surgically repair irregularities that result from injuries, traumas, and congenital deformities to restore stretched, ripped, torn, gauged, and clefted earlobes. Another similar treatment that has gained popularity is earlobe reduction, which is a procedure that reduces the size of your earlobes.
Earlobe damage is common among women and men. Earrings usually add that missing sparkle – it can be a beautiful addition to our facial appearance and wardrobe. But if you regularly wear those ‘heavy duty’ earrings, they can have a detrimental impact on your ear! Earlobe damage can also result from babies pulling on earrings, earrings getting caught on sweaters, repeated microtrauma from wearing earrings while sleeping, and other similar incidents that can cause stretching or complete tearing of the earlobe.
The gradual lengthening and stretching of an earring hole can happen with the passage of time or if you gauge your earlobes. Earlobe gauging is the stretching of an ear piercing to create larger than normal ear piercings. In some instances, individuals may want stretched or torn earring holes restored and elect for earlobe repair.
Cynthia Diehl, MD, FACS and her staff perform in-office earlobe repairs under local anesthesia. The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes per ear. Regarding post-operative care, there is no special wound care other than keeping the area clean. The stitches are usually ready to come out in about a week.
When the earlobes are finished healing, it is advised to avoid stretching and thinning the earlobe again. If you still enjoy wearing heavier earrings, a good way to do this is to alternate between light studs and the larger, hanging earrings.
