Split and torn earlobe repair in Dublin
Torn and stretched out or split earlobes can be unsightly and require earlobe repair. Affected people usually feel self-conscious about how their torn ears look. At Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic Dublin we see patients with stretched, torn, split and gauged earlobes presenting for this torn earlobe repair procedure. Enlarged earlobes are a common complaint for earlobe repair. Just like the ageing process in other areas of the face, our earlobes can simply sag over time It is mainly due to gravity and loss of skin elasticity. Earlobes simply get bigger with age. Earlobe repair is a cosmetic procedure designed to address stretched, torn, gauged, or unusually long earlobes. The aim of torn earlobe repair surgery is to correct damaged earlobes and restore self-confidence in affected people.
Causes of torn earlobes
Heavy Earrings: Can heavy earrings tear your earlobe? In due course, ear piercings stretch and tear if a person habitually wears oversized or heavy earrings. As well as creating an unsightly long or wide slit, earrings may tear completely causing split earlobes requiring torn earlobe repair.
Trauma: Many people suffer earlobe damage due to physical trauma, for example having an earring pulled off. A more common cause is earrings getting caught in clothing when taking tops on or off.
Long earrings: On other instance requiring torn earlobe repair, a large pendulous earring can cause damage over time. After several years of wearing long earrings, the pierced hole can stretch out significantly.
Elasticity: Ears can lose their elasticity over time, making it difficult to wear earrings properly. Earlobe repair is needed when it becomes difficult to keep small earrings or ear studs in place. With an enlarged ear piercing wearing dangling earrings puts earlobes at further risk for splitting.
Tribal piercings: In the early naughtiest, tribal-style piercings with large gauge were popular. By sheer force, gauges create a “flesh tunnels” that will not heal on their own once the gauge is removed. Many men or women who get earlobe gauges during their younger years come to reverse it with earlobe repair. Usually due to seeking a different career path, or simply grow tired of the trend.
How Repair Surgery Works
Split or torn earlobe repair procedure is a relatively painless surgery. The procedure takes about 30-45 minutes per earlobe to complete.
The procedure is performed with local numbing with the option of conscious sedation if required. During the torn earlobe repair surgery, patients may feel an initial needle scratch, but the remainder of the procedure is pain free.
If the damage to your ears is a result of large gauges, then Dr Hazem Kahlout will perform a Z-Plasty earlobe repair procedure. At the end of the procedure he will close the site with dissolving stitches to recreate as normal an earlobe shaped as possible.
Some scarring will result after the earlobe repair procedure, which will fade over time. Your earlobes should be back to normal after about three to six months with little or no signs of prior damage, just a faint residual scar. You can also have your ears re-pierced a six months later if you so choose.
Benefits of Earlobe Repair
A delicate cosmetic surgery procedure, the earlobe repair can dramatically improve a patient’s self-confidence.
At Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic Dublin we see people for correction of stretched-out earlobes for various reasons. Often, they are tired of the look of hanging or drooping earlobes. They want either earlobe repair with no future piercings, or to be able to wear smaller, more conservative earrings. In other instances, they may have changed their overall style from alternative to more traditional. They may be looking for a new career where their earlobes might make a statement that does not complete their current personality.
Many people remove large gauge earrings for professional or change in lifestyle reasons. With torn earlobe repair, correcting the damage that was caused from wearing gauges can help some acquire new employment in jobs that restrict these types of jewellery.
Cosmetic procedures renovate, improve, or modify a part of a person’s body to improve their self-image and self-esteem, as well as to provide them more satisfaction with the appearance or function of targeted part of the body. With earlobe repair either from wearing large gauges or due to torn earlobe or enlarged piercing hole, it is usually a cosmetic concern “to want to have normal looking earlobes again”, but it also will allow the person to be confident about their appearance once again and to wear normal earrings.
Earlobe Repair Aftercare
Ultimately, earlobe repair is a very gratifying procedure for a lot of our patients, where it enables them to move forward without even thinking of their earlobes afterwards!
Torn earlobe repair first involves refurbishing the edges of the torn lobe by removing a tiny portion of skin. Then, using fine sutures, the earlobe is meticulously repaired to recreate a normal, rounded earlobe that matches your natural ear shape as closely as possible.
You will be able to return home immediately after the procedure, with only a small bandage covering the stitches. The stitches will be removed two to three weeks later. When the earlobe has healed and the scar has softened, you may re-pierce the torn and repaired earlobe. It takes about three months for the earlobe to fully heal.
How much does split earlobe repair cost in Ireland?
Earlobe repair at our clinic starts from €650.
The final price depends on what the doctor see when he look at your ear. A clean split through one lobe is quicker to fix than a stretched gauge hole that needs a Z-Plasty to rebuild the shape. If both ears need work, we’ll plan them together.
We’ll give you an exact price at your consultation, before anything is booked. At your initial consultation the doctor will assess your earlobes taking in consideration the integrity of blood supply and position of the intended correction. No surprises on the day. If it helps, you can also spread the cost with Humm finance.
Your questions about split earlobe repair
Does earlobe repair hurt?
You’ll feel a small scratch when the doctor numbs the earlobe. After that you’ll feel some pressure but no pain. It’s usually a bit tender for a few days afterwards.
How long does it take?
About 30 to 45 minutes per earlobe. You go home straight after, with a small dressing over the stitches.
Can a split earlobe heal on its own?
No. Once the skin has torn right through, each edge heals over separately and the gap stays open. Tape and glue won’t close it. To bring the two edges together, we have to remove a thin strip of that healed skin so the two raw edges can knit together.
When can I get my ears pierced again?
We usually advise waiting 3 to 6 months, so the repaired lobe is strong. The new piercing should go slightly away from the scar, and please don’t let anyone use a piercing gun on it.
Will there be a scar?
Yes, a fine line. In most people it settles over a few months and is hard to spot. The doctor uses very fine stitches and follow the natural curve of the lobe to keep it as discreet as he can.
When can I go back to work?
Most of my patients are back to work and normal life within about a week, once the swelling and bruising settle. We’ll see you again at 2 to 3 weeks to take the stitches out.
Can stretched or gauged earlobes be repaired?
Yes. Larger gauge holes need more reshaping than a simple tear, so we often use a Z-Plasty technique to give you a natural rounded lobe again. The doctor will explain which approach suits your ears at your consultation.
