Expert Earlobe
Repair - Sydney
Ear piercings often put you at risk of experiencing stretched or torn ear lobes. In many cases, these tears are very visible and can cause self-confidence issues if left untreated. Fortunately, earlobe repair surgery effectively resolves this issue. Torn earlobes can be repaired with very minimal scarring and little postoperative downtime.
So if you’re interested in booking a consultation or want to find out more about earlobe repair in Sydney, contact us today.
What is earlobe repair surgery?
Earlobe repair surgery is a cosmetic procedure carried out to restore the natural appearance of the earlobe, ideal for those who have stretched out their skin or who have experienced trauma to the earlobe. The goal is to create a natural-looking earlobe that compliments your facial features.
Stretched earlobes can often cause self-confidence issues. Surgery can help with both the physical and mental effects of stretched earlobes.
What are the benefits?
There are numerous benefits to having your earlobes repaired with cosmetic surgery:
- Repair accidental tears or stretched-out earlobes
- Ensure both earlobes are symmetrical
- Restore self-confidence
- Fast procedure
- Minimal discomfort
- Minimal scarring
- Minimal downtime after surgery
How does it work?
If you decide to have earlobe surgery with us at ICCM, this is what you can expect:
Consultation
If you have a damaged earlobe and are interested in having it surgically repaired, we recommend that you come in for a personal consultation with one of our cosmetic doctors. This will allow you to raise any questions or concerns you might have about the procedure.
Your cosmetic doctor will perform a thorough evaluation and let you know what you can expect from the surgery, depending on your particular needs. They will also confirm whether or not an earlobe repair is suitable for you, based on the type, size and location of your tear.
Procedure
The procedure is performed with the use of a local anaesthetic, which means that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. Once the site of treatment is numb, the damaged earring holes are gently and carefully excised. The incision is then meticulously repaired using fine stitching on the front and the back of the ear lobe.
Your doctor may need to reshape some of your ear lobe tissue to ensure that a natural-looking result is achieved. Each ear lobe repair procedure takes between 30 and 60 minutes. There is virtually no pain associated with the surgery. The stitches are removed after 5 to 7 days following the procedure.
Recovery
After around a week following your earlobe repair surgery, the stitches will be removed. You might notice some mild bruising or redness at the time. You should not, however, feel any considerable pain. Minimal tenderness is a possible side effect for some patients, although this should resolve itself over time.
Am I a good candidate?
Earlobe reconstruction is usually performed on patients that have damaged or oversized ear piercings/earring holes. Suitable candidates for earlobe repairs generally have a stretched or torn earlobe and are not any of the following:
- Patients prone to chronic infections
- Patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding
- Patients who have active cold sores
- Those who are taking systemic steroids
- Those taking anticoagulant medication
- Patients with a history of keloid scarring
Ear lobe repair surgery will initially leave some minimal scarring but eventually, that will become barely visible if at all.
How much does torn earlobe repair cost?
The cost of earlobe repair surgery depends on whether the ear lobe is standard or stretched:
- Standard tear (simple) - one lobe from $950. Both lobes from $1,500
- Stretched lobe (complex) - one lobe from $1,250. Both lobes from $1,950
Why choose us?
Our fundamental philosophy at ICCM is centred around patient care and satisfaction and our primary goal is to deliver a great experience for our clients every time. Regardless of what kind of procedure you may be considering, we understand the emotion that can influence your decisions. This is why we ensure we’re there to support you from your first consultation, right through to completion, with the utmost care and professionalism.
FAQs
If you are interested in finding out more about earlobe repair surgery or arranging a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is happy to answer any questions you might have about the procedure and any of the other treatments that we offer. In the meantime, you can find our most frequently asked questions about the procedure below.
Earlobe repair surgery is carried out using local anaesthesia. This means you will be awake during surgery, but will not be able to feel the procedure. It also means that you can have the procedure carried out at specified clinics and don’t necessarily need to go to the hospital for treatment.
There is no ideal age for earlobe reduction surgery, any adult can have the procedure. However, we do recommend that you have the treatment sooner rather than later as split earlobes generally worsen with time.
You should expect very small scars on the ears following the surgery. These may look slightly red straight after surgery but will eventually fade and become almost impossible to see with time.
Infection is the biggest risk which is why we advise our patients to keep a close eye on the treated area during the healing phase. Keep the site of surgery as clean as possible and notify us immediately if there are any signs of infection. Some possible signs of infection include swelling and tenderness that do not resolve, as well as crusting, fluid drainage, and fever.
If you choose to have your ear pierced again after an earlobe repair surgery, it is important to note that the scarred tissue tends to be weaker than the surrounding tissue and is more likely to tear. Rather, have your new piercing placed in an area that has not been operated on to avoid further tearing or stretching.
Risks and complications of cosmetic surgery
These risks, while concerning, are generally rare and can be mitigated through careful planning, following pre- and post-operative care instructions, and working with qualified and experienced medical practitioners, like those at ICCM. But it can still be beneficial to understand potential risks that can occur, so you can discuss these risks before proceeding with any treatment.
Scarring
Scarring is a common risk with any surgery that involves making incisions in the skin. While practitioners take care to place incisions in discreet areas and close them carefully to minimise scars, the body’s healing process varies from person to person. Some individuals may develop thicker, more noticeable scars, known as hypertrophic scars or keloids, which can be difficult to treat and may require additional procedures.
Bruising and Swelling
Bruising and swelling are common side effects of surgery as the body responds to tissue trauma. While these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks, severe bruising can cause discomfort and prolong recovery. In some cases, significant swelling might indicate underlying issues such as fluid accumulation or infection, requiring further medical attention.
Bleeding
Bleeding during surgery is controlled by the surgical team, but there is always a risk of excessive bleeding either during the procedure or postoperatively. This can lead to complications like hematomas, where blood pools under the skin, potentially requiring surgical drainage. Severe bleeding can also lead to shock, which is a medical emergency.
Infection
Infection is a risk whenever the skin is broken, as it provides a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. Surgical sites are particularly vulnerable, especially if the wound care instructions are not followed closely. Infections can range from minor skin infections to more serious, deep-tissue infections that might require antibiotics, drainage, or even additional surgery to resolve.
Pain
Pain is an expected part of recovery from any surgery, but its intensity and duration can vary. While most pain can be managed with prescribed medications, some patients may experience prolonged or severe pain, which could indicate complications such as nerve damage or infection. Chronic pain is a less common, but more serious, concern that might persist long after the typical recovery period.
Undesirable Cosmetic Outcome
An undesirable cosmetic outcome occurs when the results of the surgery do not meet the patient’s expectations, or the aesthetic goals outlined before the procedure. This could be due to asymmetry, unnatural appearance, or a failure to achieve the desired contour or shape. In some cases, additional procedures, known as revision surgeries, may be needed to correct these issues.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is a risk in many cosmetic procedures, especially those that involve cutting near nerves. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or even loss of sensation in the affected area. While some nerve damage may be temporary and improve over time, permanent nerve injury can result in lasting changes in sensation or function.
Seroma
A seroma is a pocket of clear fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery. It often occurs when the surgical area is not fully drained, leading to swelling and discomfort. Seromas are usually treated by draining the fluid with a needle, but if left untreated, they can increase the risk of infection or contribute to poor wound healing.
Anaesthetic Complications
Anaesthetic complications can arise from both general and local anaesthesia. These risks include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and, in rare cases, more severe reactions such as malignant hyperthermia. Patients with pre-existing health conditions or those undergoing lengthy procedures are at a higher risk. Complications can range from temporary disorientation or nausea to more serious outcomes like heart attack or stroke.
Death
Death is the most severe and rare risk associated with cosmetic surgery. It can result from complications related to anaesthesia, excessive bleeding, severe infection, or an adverse reaction during the procedure. While the overall risk is low, it underscores the importance of a thorough preoperative assessment and choosing an experienced, qualified medical practitioner to minimise risks.'>
The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner.