If you are bothered by the size of your ear holes, you may be considering earlobe repair. The procedure is performed on soft tissue, which makes it a popular choice for people who want to restore their appearance. The plastic surgeon will perform a physical examination and review your medical history to determine whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. He will also discuss any health concerns that could interfere with the healing process.
The Repair of Large Ear Holes procedure is a simple, non-sedating procedure that can be done on most patients. The surgeon will give you a small injection of numbing medicine, and the procedure takes around 45 minutes to two hours. Depending on the extent of damage, the ear hole repair procedure may involve multiple stages, ranging from simple to complex. There is a recovery period associated with the surgery.
A surgeon can repair a hole in the ear by using a simple procedure known as a side-to-side closure. This technique is commonly used for small holes, such as those caused by accidental ear piercing. During this procedure, the scar tissue around the hole is removed to expose fresh tissue, which will fuse back together. After the repair, the patient can get a new piercing at a different location.
An ear lobe repair procedure can correct small tears and eliminate the evidence of large gauged piercings. Candidates for ear lobe repair should be in good health and have no health conditions that may cause bleeding or delayed healing. A small hole is not a serious condition, and surgery can be performed for any age. But you should be sure to speak to a qualified surgeon if you are unsure about your candidacy.
Depending on your lifestyle and how much you wear your earrings, your ear holes may stretch over time. Repeated use of heavy earrings can stretch the skin tissue around the earlobe. After a few months, this stretch can turn into a large hole. Fortunately, ear lobe repair surgery is minimally invasive and can be performed on patients who have had large ear holes. In most cases, the procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia.
In some cases, a simple stitching procedure may be sufficient to close the hole. A complex reconstruction may involve multiple surgical steps. If you have a large hole in your ear, your plastic surgeon may recommend stretching the earlobe in order to facilitate the surgery. The procedure can take less than one hour per side. The surgeon will stabilize the earlobe and remove the skin around the hole before stitching the ear back together. If the earlobe is repaired, you can resume piercing after eight weeks.
