The Ins and Outs of Ear Lobe Repair Surgery

Ear lobe repair surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure to repair a torn, split, or stretched ear lobe. 

This can be done for cosmetic reasons or to repair damage caused by accidents, injury, or wearing heavy earrings for a prolonged period of time.

If you’ve recently had an injury to your ear or would like to enhance the appearance of your ears, ear lobe repair surgery may be a good option for you. 

Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Emmett, a double-board certified plastic surgeon, to discuss ear lobe repair surgery and financing options. 

Learn more about the ear lobe repair procedure, how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during recovery, and more about Dr. Jennifer Emmett. 

Surgical technique with earlobe repair surgery 

There are several surgical techniques that can be used to repair a stretched or torn earlobe. The specific technique chosen will depend on the extent of the damage to the ear lobe and your surgeon’s preference. 

One common technique involves making a small incision in the ear lobe and removing any damaged tissue. 

Another technique involves the use of skin grafts to repair the ear lobe. This may be necessary if the damage to the ear lobe is significant or if the ear lobe has stretched too thin to repair with sutures alone. 

Regardless of the technique used, the goal of ear lobe surgery is to restore the natural shape and appearance of the ear lobe. 

Procedure

The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the ear lobe. 

Dr. Emmett will then make a small incision in the ear lobe and carefully remove any damaged tissue. 

Once the damaged tissue has been removed from the ear lobe and is repaired, Dr. Emmett will close the incision using fine sutures. 

Dr. Emmett may also use skin grafts to repair the ear lobe if necessary.

The surgery typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete and is usually performed on an outpatient basis. 

The sutures will be removed after about a week, and the ear lobe will continue to heal for several weeks. 

Overall, ear lobe repair surgery is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure with a high success rate. 

Preparation for earlobe surgery 

There are several steps you can take to prepare for earlobe repair surgery. 

Choose a qualified plastic surgeon 

Choosing a skilled plastic surgeon with experience performing ear lobe repair surgery is important. Look for a board-certified surgeon with a good track record of safe, comfortable, and successful procedures.

Consider your goals

Before the procedure, discuss your goals and expectations. Make sure to let your plastic surgeon know what you hope to achieve with the surgery and ask any questions you may have. 

Stop taking certain medications

Some medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. It’s important to let Dr. Emmett know about any medications you’re taking and stop taking them as directed by your surgeon. 

Stop smoking

Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications after surgery. You may need to quit smoking at least two weeks before the procedure. 

Follow pre-operative instructions

Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow before the procedure. 

By following these steps, you can prepare for your ear lobe repair surgery and increase the chances of a successful outcome. 

Recovery after ear lobe repair surgery 

The recovery process after ear lobe repair surgery is generally quick and painless. 

You may experience some swelling and bruising for a few days, but these side effects should subside within a week. 

Most people can return to work and their normal activities within a few days after the procedure. 

Following the post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Emmett will ensure proper healing, minimize the risk of infection, and help with successful recovery. 

This may include:

• Keeping the ear lobe clean and dry
• Keeping your phone away from your ear
• Avoiding substances that could cause irritation
• Taking any prescribed medications as directed
• Avoid heavy earrings
• No heavy lifting or strenuous activities that could strain the ear lobe for at least a week after the procedure 

Choose Dr. Emmett for your cosmetic procedures

Dr. Jennifer Emmett, M.D., is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Surgery. 

With over 20 years of experience, she is a highly skilled and recommended plastic surgeon. 

Check out her patient satisfaction rate, reviews, and before and after images of past patients to see her work.

Dr. Emmett takes her education, skills, and patients seriously and continues learning new skills, techniques, and procedures. 

She is one of only a handful of surgeons to complete additional training in aesthetic surgery and who offers Helios laser skin resurfacing, two things that help her stand out from other plastic surgeons. 

Dr. Emmett and her team also specialize in:

• Facial surgery
• MedSpa
• Botox
• Derma fillers
• Lip injections
• Breast augmentation
• Breast reduction
• Breast lifts
• Tummy tucks
• Liposuction
• Brazillian butt lift
• Mommy makeovers 

Check out our blog to learn more about Emmett Plastic surgery and any cosmetic procedure we offer. 

Contact Dr. Emmett to schedule your free consultation and discuss your financing options. She will be happy to answer any of your questions and concerns regarding surgery and recovery.