SPLIT/TORN EARLOBE

How do you get a split/torn earlobe?

The ear lobes are one of the most delicate, dainty, and beautiful parts of the human face. The ear lobes can lighten up our facial beauty with just a simple pair of stud earrings. However, our ear lobes are also very sensitive as they can easily tear or bruise if they frequently bear heavy earrings or experience other trauma. A torn earlobe always starts with a widening hole in the ear lobe and if not treated in time, turns into a full tear.

There are many reasons why earlobes split or tear. Wearing heavy earrings or a deformity in the earlobe can cause your ear to split. Tears and splits can be also be caused by accidents or trauma. Mothers of young children can easily develop a torn ear lobe if they tend to wear dangling ear jewelry and a young child accidentally grabs the earring.  Your ear holes can also enlarge over time. If you’re not satisfied with how your ear lobes appear, then surgery is a safe and effective option. It is important to seek ear lobe surgery to protect your delicate earlobes from further damage.  

How does a split/torn earlobe get repaired?

The medical process is painless, simple, and quick. The surgical area is thoroughly sterilized and cleansed using a strong anti-microbial solution, after which local anesthesia is applied. The skin cleft is carefully removed, and then the affected lobule is divided into four parts.
The lobule is then rebuilt all over again using extremely fine and intricate stitches at the back and front of the ear lobe. After the procedure, the sutures are removed in two stages over week-long intervals. By doing so, the ear lobe will be able to pick up strength quickly and regain its original appearance. 

What is recovery like? When can I get my ear pierced again?

Ear lobe surgery is extremely safe and painless with a short surgical recovery period. There is little to no post-operative discomfort. You can even go back to work immediately after the procedure is completed. I recommend avoiding any kind of piercing on the area for at least 3 months. I can pierce your ear for you when the healing is complete. Ear lobe repair can take time, and the affected area should be left untouched. This allows the scar to mature and to achieve maximum strength with healing. The ear should also not be pierced in the same location where it was repaired. This scar is not as strong as the native tissue and will tear much more easily than if the piercing was done in a new position. 

Although there is minimal discomfort, there are certain post-op precautions that should be kept in mind. After the ear gets re-pierced, I do not recommend that you wear anything more than studs for extended periods of time. Wearing heavy or dangling earrings for a long period of time will result in a split and torn ear lobe again.

Some patients may also have cysts and keloids from previous piercings. These can be professionally removed during the ear lobe surgery. Patients with keloids should practice special precaution and not get a piercing on the same area. If a patient has painful cysts or keloids that can occur in the ear lobe, these can be treated and removed at the same time the split ear lobe is repaired. Some additional treatment with steroids and or radiation is required in patients with keloids to minimize their recurrence. Pressure earrings in the form of clip on earrings helps to decrease the recurrence of keloids. It also helps to soften the scars.