Torn Ear Lobe Repair

Ear piercing has been used for centuries as a way to adorn the ears with jewelry that frame the face. For many men and women, their appearance does not seem complete until they add the right earrings to their ensemble. Unfortunately, the earlobes are made of soft, fatty tissue that is easily torn or damaged. Earrings can pull down through the earlobe, dissecting the lobe into two pieces. If you need a torn earlobe repair in Beverly Hills, come see Dr. John Anastasatos at Los Angeles Plastic Surgery.

The most common cause of torn earlobes is an accident or trauma that pulls a dangling earring through the bottom of the earlobe. This can occur during an auto or sports accident when an earring gets caught while the person is thrown or falling. Another cause of an earlobe tear is due to long-term use of heavy earrings. The piercing can begin to elongate over time from large earrings or pulling on the earlobe, eventually ripping the lobe in two pieces.

Repairing a Ripped Ear Piercing

The ear lobe is made from skin and fatty tissue that is very pliable and heals quickly. Once an earlobe is torn in half, the tissue will quickly begin to heal, forming skin to cover the exposed inner tissue. To repair the earlobe, an incision is made to remove excess skin or tissue from stretching and from the healing process. The lobe is reformed by stitching the two sides of the lobe together to create a natural-appearing lobe. Some stitches may be internal and dissolving, while others that hold together the skin can be removed once the skin is healed.

A torn earlobe repair can be completed with local anesthesia during an office visit. In most cases, the ear can be pierced again once the lobe is completely healed. To learn more about repairing a damaged earlobe, contact us at Los Angeles Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anastasatos.