Repair of Torn Earlobes
Earlobe reconstruction is much less involved
than other forms of ear reshaping. The soft earlobe has skin
and fat. Other parts of the ear have cartilage adding structural
strength. Since the tissue over the cartilage is thin, contour
irregularities of the cartilage are easily seen. Reestablishing
the delicate shape of the underlying cartilage adds complexity
to a reconstruction.
The Procedure For Earlobe
Repair
In most pierced ears, the pierced hold
gradually enlarges over time. If it tears, the final tear
is usually just through a tiny piece of tissue at the bottom
of the lobe. In this case, immediate repair will not take
care of the skin covered slot, so reconstruction is delayed
until after the wound has healed and inflammation has diminished.
However, if the tear starts from a tiny pierced hold, immediate
repair is an option.
Depending on the deformity, reconstruction
can take different forms. In all methods, the skin lining
the slot is removed creating a raw edge to rebuild. When tissue
has been lost, however, the procedure is more complicated,
and reconstruction involves creating normal proportions around
a somewhat small ear.
Layered Closure For Earlobe
Repair
In repairing the lobe, raw edges are
brought directly together using a combination of dissolvable
sutures in the deeper layers and skin sutures that are removed
after your surgery. No provision for the jewelry hole is made
at this time. After several months of healing, the ear can
be pierced again, if desired.
Z-Plasty Flap
Tissue cut in a special z - pattern
and moved with its blood supply is called a flap. Flaps are
used to redistribute tissue and sculpt the shape of the ear.
Flaps lessen the chance of scar notching. The ear is able
to be pierced after the scar has completely healed.
After Your Ear Repair Procedure
The sutures are removed two weeks after
the procedure. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment is the
only dressing applied in most cases. A little drainage from
the wound will be expected.
When can I wear earrings after surgery?
You should wait six months after surgery before wearing earrings.
The scar should be soft before you get your lobe re-pierced.
If you have any questions
regarding Earlobe Surgery, or wish to schedule a consultation
with Dr. Rajagopal, please call the San
Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.
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