The earlobes are appendages of the ears made of soft skin and a small amount of fatty tissue. When studying the earlobe appearance and anatomy, one is often surprised about the large variation in size, form and shape. Aside from being important for a normal appearance of the ears, the earlobes serve women and men as popular locations for jewelry. Often, the earlobes are pierced to fit various forms of ear ornaments ranging from little studs to larger and heavier items. 

A variety of problems may require reconstructive surgery of the earlobes. Earlobe abnormalities may result from hereditary abnormalities, traumatic events, surgical procedures (i.e., for skin cancer treatment) or earlobe changes due to body art. The reconstructive approaches to most of these problems differ and depend on the specific needs of the patient. Often, a creative and artistic eye is helpful in planning these delicate earlobe procedures. 

How Can Split/Gauge Earlobes Be Corrected? 

Most torn earlobes can be effectively and safely corrected using the delicate surgical repair techniques offered at our Miami office. The procedure is routinely performed in the office under local anesthesia. After planning and marking, a small amount of lidocaine numbing solution is deposited. The procedure itself is performed without any discomfort. In order to rebuild the earlobe, the healed and scarred aspects of the tear require removal.  The most appropriate technique will be discussed with the patient and depends on the specific location of tear and anatomy of the earlobe. Fine suture threads are used to support the repair and minimize scarring. Small amounts of antibiotic ointment are applied at home for a few days ensuring cleanliness. The healed earlobe usually has a barely visible pencil-fine scar line. 

EARLOBE SLIT (Enlarged Piercing Hole)

An incomplete tear in the earlobe usually starts at the original piercing site and continues downward for some degree. The result is an earlobe hole too large to hold ear studs. Closure of the enlarged slit-like hole can be performed in the office. A new piercing usually has to be performed but has to wait for approximately 8 weeks. 

EARLOBE REDUCTION

Earlobes may be large from birth but commonly get bigger with age. A large earlobe may require substantial ear jewelry for appropriate balance; small studs may appear “lost” within the space of a fleshy earlobe. Large earlobes can be sagging and hang down too far which may benefit from a decrease of the hanging curvature. In other instances, the earlobe is rather fleshy and elongated requiring a decrease of the overall length. An earlobe reduction is performed in the office under local anesthesia with the option of a sedative. 

Removal of benign lesions and keloids– This may often develop a result of piercing or trauma and may enlarge over time. This can be removed with a simple in office procedure. Photos below are before and after – 12 days later, immediately post removal of stitches. 

EARLOBE REPAIR PRE-OPERATIVE CARE

Avoid any fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve, etc.) for one week prior to your surgery. If you are on any medications that affect bleeding (such as Coumadin or Warfarin) please notify the office immediately.

Please refrain from tobacco products and alcohol for 48 hours prior and one week following surgery. Along with delayed wound healing, persistent skin redness and other complications may persist when tobacco and alcohol are not discontinued.

Please notify us of all routine medications and significant health history. We ask that you remain on your daily medications unless instructed otherwise.

There are no dietary restrictions before the procedure unless instructed otherwise.

You will have local (numbing) anesthesia, you will be able to drive yourself home after your surgery