Q: I have a split earlobe from my toddler ripping out my earring. Do I have to have surgery to repair it? Can I wear earrings again?
— Melissa C.
A: Yes, you do have to have surgery to properly repair your split earlobe. And yes, you can eventually wear earrings. Which split earlobes repair surgical technique used depends on the original shape of your earlobe tear, as well as the shape of your earlobe. Some techniques work better on different shapes and sizes than others.
Split earlobes repair surgery excises the edges of the torn earlobe and sews it back together. Three techniques typically used for treatment of split earlobes applied include Structured Straight, Z-Plastied and L-Shaped.
The main reasons why you develop split earlobes include if your earlobes are structurally weaker, extensive wearing of unusually heavy earrings, having earrings forcibly pulled out or traumatic injury. Children are especially notorious for ripping out the earrings of others, which may gash the ear.
Treatment for split earlobes repair is fairly simple with surgical earlobes repair surgery that is nearly painless. It’s an outpatient, minimally invasive surgical procedure that heals quickly. Local anesthesia is used, plus antibiotics and painkillers may be prescribed.
Re-piercing is possible following split earlobe repair surgery. Ideally, you should wait for six months after the procedure to ensure complete healing and strength of the earlobe. Re-piercing is possible, however, at six to eight weeks following split earlobe repair surgery. The doctor will offer more guidelines on restrictions for wearing earrings.
The procedure takes between one and two hours on average. It addresses the earlobe’s outer surface, fatty tissue within and skin on the backside. The tear is sutured, with the stiches remaining for a week. Like most procedures that simply improve appearance, most insurance companies will not cover split earlobe repair surgery.
