Dr John Di Saia, an orange county california plastic surgeon

Earlobe Repair

Earlobe injuries are commonly caused by earrings. They can be simple or complicated, but more often than not can be repaired in the office under local anesthesia. Here are a few cases.

Simple Earlobe Tear Prior To Repair
BEFORE
Simple Earlobe Tear 2 Years Later
2 YEARS

Case 1 - The Story

    This woman had torn her earlobe when an earring pulled sharply. The injury basically split the earlobe and it healed that way. This is not uncommon. Earlobe repair was performed in the office under local anesthesia. Above she appears two years later with a repaired earlobe and a mature thin scar. The doctor recommends that the earlobe not be pierced for at least 6-8 weeks after surgery and that the new piercing be off the scar by 1 mm or more. These repairs can breakdown requiring re-operation, so the longer the patient can wait before re-piercing the better.

Complex Earlobe Repair Prior To Repair
BEFORE
Complex Earlobe Repair 2 Months Later
2 MONTHS

Case 2 - The Story

    This young man in an attempt to make his earlobe accommodate larger earrings had sequentially stretched it. It became infected and broke down. The cosmetic deformity was significant as the connection to the cheek was damaged and the remaining earlobe appeared peculiar. This earlobe reconstruction was designed for two stages under local in the office. After the first procedure, the connection to the cheek was re-established. At this point, the patient was pleased and did not desire the second stage. The doctor does not recommend re-piercing a complex repair such as this one for fear it may break down. Similarly, he would not recommend that earrings be worn for the same reason.

Health insurance considers earlobe repairs to be cosmetic. The office will not bill your insurance for such a repair, but the cost of simple repairs starts at around $600/side. You are welcome to try to bill your insurance for reimbursement if you wish.

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© John Di Saia, MD... an Orange County California Plastic Surgeon       

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USE STATEMENT
Please note that this resource is offered freely to individuals considering cosmetic surgery. No rights are granted and it is not to be reprinted or copied without the author's prior written consent. Understand that some of the information presented may be a matter of professional opinion. Although efforts have been made to assure accuracy, no guarantees are expressed or implied.