Rediscover Confidence: Earlobe Repair Surgery at Kirwan Plastic Surgery

It comprises Repair, Reconstruction, and Rejuvenation. Repair addresses hole closure, while Reconstruction focuses on cleft repair. Rejuvenation involves reducing the earlobe size and also fat injection of the earlobe to restore volume. The earlobe skin may also be peeled with a peeling agent such as Trichloro-Acetic Acid (TCA).

Patients often have high expectations, assuming earlobe surgery is simple. However, without a skilled surgeon who understands earlobe aesthetics and anatomy, poorly planned procedures may result in deformities worse than the initial problem.

Poorly executed surgeries may lead to unsatisfactory outcomes or worsened deformities. The earlobe margin may be notched or the scar may have visible stitch marks. Both of these complications can be avoided by skilled surgical technique and timely removal of stitches. All earlobe surgery is performed under sterile conditions to avoid infection, in Dr. Kirwan’s accredited office-based surgical center. Consulting with a qualified surgeon to minimize risks and ensure optimal results is imperative.

During your consultation with Dr. Kirwan, you’ll discuss your expectations, medical history, and any prior procedures. Special attention is given to previous keloid scars of the ear, which may require specific treatment like steroid injections or superficial radiotherapy after surgery. Dr. Kirwan will conduct an examination and take photos to illustrate the planned surgical technique, the resulting scar, and the potential benefits. Additionally, Dr. Kirwan will share examples of his previous surgical results through ‘before and after’ images, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of what you can expect from the procedure.

• Closure of the piercing alone – The closure procedure is suitable for patients with an enlarged piercing. The hole is excised from front to back, and deep stitches support the wound until scar maturity. Stitches are placed in front and behind the earlobe, with surgery lasting 30 to 60 minutes per earlobe. The outcome is the closure of the piercing. Stitches are removed five to seven days after surgery, and the earlobe is re-pierced with a sterile stud 12 weeks later.
• Excision of a cleft and repair of the earlobe – This procedure is optimal for patients with a cleft deformity, also known as a split earlobe. The cleft is completely excised in a ‘pizza-slice’ pattern. Deep stitches support the wound until scar maturity. Superficial sutures are placed in front and behind the earlobe. Surgery duration ranges from 30 to 60 minutes per earlobe. The outcome includes correcting the split earlobe and reducing the earlobe’s size. Stitches are typically removed five to seven days post-surgery. Earlobe re-piercing with a sterile stud occurs approximately 12 weeks after repair.
• Fat injection and chemical peel of the earlobe – This procedure is suitable for patients with wrinkled or shrunken earlobes. Fat is harvested and filtered, often concurrently with fat injections to areas like the cheek, jawline, or lips. Approximately half to one cc of fat is injected into each earlobe. The skin may also be peeled using an acid like Trichloro-Acetic Acid (TCA). Surgery typically takes around 60 minutes for fat harvesting and reinjection. The outcome involves achieving fullness in the earlobe and smoothing wrinkles without the need for stitches.

You can return to work within 24 hours and should avoid contact sports for three weeks. Follow post-operative instructions for a smooth recovery. Expect minor bleeding for 24 hours. Scars initially appear red, fading to thin white lines over several months. Dr. Kirwan recommends sunblock to protect scars from pigmentation and a silicone-based scar cream to help prevent keloid scar formation.

Ready to restore your earlobes and regain confidence? Schedule a consultation with Kirwan Plastic Surgery today by calling (475) 250-1581 and embark on your journey to beautifully rejuvenated earlobes. Don’t wait any longer to experience the transformative results of expert earlobe repair surgery.