Earlobe repair is a common cosmetic procedure typically performed to correct damage or deformities to the earlobes. This damage can result from various causes, such as trauma, wearing heavy earrings, or stretching the earlobes (gauging). The procedure involves surgically removing the damaged tissue and then meticulously suturing the remaining tissue together to create a natural-looking earlobe.
The process generally starts with numbing the area with local anesthesia. Then, the surgeon carefully trims away any excess tissue and reshapes the earlobe as needed. Sutures are then placed to close the incisions, and these are usually removed after about a week.
Earlobe repair is often a relatively quick outpatient procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office or a surgical facility. Recovery time is typically minimal, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days, although strenuous activities and wearing earrings are usually avoided for a few weeks to allow for proper healing.