The earlobes can tear at the level of the earring hole due to the continuous use of heavy earrings or due to trauma with a sudden pull. It is more common in older women but can appear in young women who wear large earrings. The earlobes can tear completely, resulting in a bilobed torn earlobe, or they can tear partially, resulting in only a large and elongated earring hole.

First Consultation

During the first consultation, a general evaluation of your health status will be conducted, as well as an examination of your earlobes, diagnosing them as completely or incompletely torn, unilateral or bilateral.

The surgical procedure and the postoperative care required will be explained in a simple and concise manner. Additionally, a series of photographs will be taken to help plan your surgery.

You should clearly and honestly express your expectations and concerns related to the surgery.

Surgery and Anesthesia

This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, under LOCAL anesthesia, and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It does NOT require hospital admission.

The surgery will depend on the type of torn earlobe the patient has; it can range from performing a skin ellipse and direct closure to performing a Z-plasty. During the same procedure, if the patient wishes, a new hole can be made for earring placement.

Two small scars remain, one on the anterior side and another on the posterior side of the earlobe, which gradually fade over time.

Postoperative

Postoperative pain is easily manageable with regular analgesics.

After the surgery, dressings will be placed on each earlobe and should not be wet during the first 48 postoperative hours.

The sutures will be removed 10-12 days after the procedure.

The new earring hole should be made outside the area of the scar now present on the earlobe.