|
The following are frequently asked questions (and answers) about Earlobe Repair:
What is a split ear lobe?
Split ear lobe is exactly what it sounds like. It's a separation of skin from the point of piercing down through the base of the ear lobe.
|
What causes split ear lobe?
Most commonly trauma from heavy or dangling earrings creates a slit in the ear lobe that begins at the point of piercing and continues to the base of the ear lobe. Catching a hoop earring in a comb when combing the hair is a very common cause along with heavy pendulant earrings and infection.
|
How is split ear lobe repaired?
Split ear lobe repair is a safe, effective office surgery performed to restore the ear lobe. The wound edges are "freshened" and closure is typically performed using a Z-plasty technique. This means that the wound is closed in a zig-zag fashion to strengthen the area from splitting again.
|
How soon can I get my ears pierced after split ear lobe repair?
Typically we require about six weeks prior to re-piercing. To allow the earlobe to heal, we will instruct you on when clip on earrings may be worn following repair.
|
How soon after the surgery can I wash my hair?
It's important to keep the sutures dry for two days following split ear lobe repair. After that, you can shower as long as the water does not spray directly on the wound. Antibiotic ointment applies to the wound helps cover it and keep it dry.
|
How does split ear lobe repair affect my daily activities?
Most patients carry on with little interruption to their daily activities. We ask patients to switch ears when using the telephone. So as not to disrupt the sutures, we also ask patient to avoid turtlenecks or tight fitting garments that are removed over the head. As far as aerobic activities, these should be avoided for one week following surgery. It's important to avoid bending, lifting or straining during this postoperative period as these activities can increase swelling and delay healing.
|
Is it painful?
After any surgical surgery, some discomfort can be expected. All patients are provided with prescriptions for pain medication. Patients sometimes use the prescription medication two to three days after surgery and then switch to Extra Strength Tylenol. It is uncommon for patients to report unmanageable pain after surgery.
|
Will I be awake during surgery?
Yes. For patients undergoing split ear lobe repair alone, this can be performed in the office setting with only local (numbing) anesthesia.
|
How long does my surgery take?
The length of time for split ear lobe repair depends on several factors including the nature and amount of trauma, wound status and individual complexities of each person's ear lobe. In general, split ear lobe repair takes about one hour depending on the anatomy and structure present prior to surgery.
|
Can I drive myself home after surgery?
YES. This reconstructive surgery is most often performed in the office setting using only local (numbing) anesthesia. Although uncommon, if a sedative is requested, patients are not able to drive themselves home after the surgery.
|
How long will bruising and swelling last?
Postoperative bruising and swelling begins to resolve at the end of the first week. For patients with a history of easy bruising, resolution of bruising or swelling may take two weeks. However, bruises can be camouflage fairly easily with concealer stick.
|
When can I go back to work or school?
Most patients return to work or school the day following split ear lobe repair.
|
When can I start or go back to exercising or working out?
Aerobic activities should be avoided for one week following surgery. It's important to avoid bending, lifting or straining during this postoperative period as these activities can increase swelling and delay healing.
|
Return to Earlobe Repair
For more information or to get a FREE phone consultation and setup an appointment, please contact us online or call our Patient Care Coordinator at 972.239.6317 x134. |
