REPAIR OF TORN EARLOBES: Everything You Need to Know About Repairing Them
Earlobes may seem like a small peripheral feature, but they play a significant role in facial aesthetics and attractiveness. The earlobe is the soft, fleshy part of the lower portion of the external ear. It sometimes hangs freely from the side of the face, like a pendulum, while in some people, it’s attached to the face. The earlobe feels smooth and firm, as it’s made up of fat cells and connective tissue. Above all, earlobes are known for being adorned and pierced by women and men to wear earrings and decorative ornaments. Piercing of the earlobes has been a part of almost all cultures for thousands of years.
It’s common to end up with a stretched, split, or torn earlobe at some point in life. Torn earlobes can be painful and awkward, while stretched earlobes cause visible cosmetic concerns. Unfortunately, it may result in further damage to the ear if left untreated. Many people are eager to repair the tissue, not only for cosmetic concerns but to wear the earrings again. There are many ways to repair the ear and restore confidence.
Changes that Occur in the Earlobes with Age
Visible volume loss: The earlobe loses its plump and firm texture. It becomes noticeably longer, accompanied by loose skin. The ear lobe undergoes elongation, sagging, and wrinkling due to loss of elasticity. These changes can be accelerated by wearing heavy ear ornaments. Over time, factors such as aging, gravity, and the repeated stress from wearing earrings or trauma contribute to changes in earlobe shape. Skin elasticity certainly decreases with age, leading to elongated and drooping lobes. When the earlobes stretch significantly, they can alter the way earrings sit and can affect the overall appearance of the face.
Earlobe Repair Surgery (Lobuloplasty)
For patients with significantly stretched, damaged, and torn earlobes, earlobe repair surgery is the most effective remedy. During this procedure, excess ear lobe tissue is removed, and the earlobe is carefully reshaped to achieve its natural contour. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and requires only minimal downtime. Stitches are removed within two weeks, and once the wounds are fully healed, patients can have their ears re-pierced if desired.