Repairing Torn Earlobes

Many women and men have pierced earrings, often from a young age. Unfortunately, these small holes can be the cause of earlobe damage, even ending in lobes that are torn in half. Once torn, earlobes can be an embarrassment and disfiguring. Luckily, with an experienced plastic surgeon, earlobes can be repaired quickly and even be pierced again in the future.

Causes of Torn Earlobes

There are several common causes of torn earlobes, with almost all starting with a piercing in the lobe. Although unpierced earlobes can be damage in accidents or due to trauma, the majority of torn or split earlobes are pierced. Some of the cause of torn earlobes include:

  • Heavy earrings. Wearing heavy earrings can elongate the piercing hole and over time, deform the ear and rip the whole through the bottom of the lobe.
  • Children are attracted to dangling earrings and can grab them, pulling until they rip the lobe.
  • Telephone ear. The combination of heavy earrings and talking on the telephone have cause many earlobes to become torn or damaged from constant pressure.
  • During an accident, an earring can get caught and be ripped through the lobe. It is also common for an earring to get pulled out during a physical altercation.

Repairing a torn or split earlobe is best performed by a plastic surgeon. Although a general physician can suture the earlobe to close the tear, it may have scarring and deformity when it heals. A plastic surgeon can perform cosmetic surgery to ensure the lobe is returned to its previous size and shape to match the other earlobe. In most cases, earlobe surgery is an outpatient procedure. In many cases the ear can be pierced again once the lobe heals.

Posted on behalf of:
Beverly Hills Center for Plastic & Laser Surgery
120 South Spalding Drive #236
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 288-0641

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.