Earlobe Repair Surgery – some Frequently Asked Questions
Aurora is now part of The Private Clinic, a nationwide group of clinics with over 35 years of experience specialising in Cosmetic Surgery and Skin and a Trust Pilot 5 star rating. For comprehensive information, before and after photos and costs on Earlobe repair procedures click here
Our expert Plastic Surgeon Adrian Richards is the Medical Director for The Private Clinic. Clinics are located in Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Glasgow, London Harley Street, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.
Repair of stretched or ‘tribal’ earlobes is one of our most popular procedures at Aurora.
Our Surgical Director Adrian Richards specialises in the surgery and regularly performs it at our clinics.
As one of the UK’s leading clinics for earlobe repair, we receive lots of enquiries. To help you if you’ve removed flesh tunnels and are thinking about reconstructive surgery, here are some questions we’re often asked.
When considering earlobe repair surgery
Q) Will I need surgery, or could my earlobe close up naturally over time?
An interesting one. Generally, if your ear stretchers were below 10mm, in most cases the hole in your ear will naturally constrict back to a very small size. Anything over 10mm and we usually find that while the hole does shrink, it will still be quite noticeable and surgery will be needed to repair it.
Q) Is there a limit to the size of stretch that can be repaired?
In a word, no. At our clinics we’ve treated stretches all the way up to 60mm. No matter how large the stretch, it can be successfully repaired.
About the procedure
Q) How long does surgery take?
This can vary on a case by case basis, but on average, stretched ear repair takes around 15 minutes per ear. So if you are having both earlobes repaired you will usually be in and out within an hour.
Q) Is earlobe repair carried out under general or local anaesthetic?
As a a minor procedure, we generally use local anaesthetic for earlobe repair at our clinics, which is well tolerated by even the most squeamish of patients! If you feel you would prefer general anaesthetic, this is possible too.
Q) What technique is used to repair the earlobes?
No two stretched earlobes are the same, so the precise technique used depends on the pattern of your stretching. Broadly, the area around the earlobe hole will be marked up, a section of tissue will be removed, and the open ends stitched back together neatly.
Q) Does earlobe repair hurt?
To give you a point of comparison, we usually say it is like going to the dentist – but less painful! You will feel no discomfort during the procedure. After your surgery, when the anaesthetic wears off you may experience a slight ache, for which we recommend paracetamol.
Q) Is the surgery safe?
As a relatively straightforward procedure, earlobe reconstruction is extremely safe. Providing you are fit and healthy, there should be no problems at all.
As with any surgical procedure, there is always a slight risk of poor scarring or infection, but these are rare and treatable.
After surgery
Q) Will I need to attend a follow-up appointment?
It’s not necessary to come back to the clinic after your surgery. We use absorbable stitches, so there is no need to come back and have them removed, and most patients are happy to remove their own dressings too. However, if you would prefer to come back and see us for a check-up after your surgery, we’ll of course be happy to arrange this for you.
Q) How will I need to sleep after my surgery?
It isn’t crucial to sleep in any particular position, as your body tends to instinctively protect you during sleep. If you roll onto the ear and it feels uncomfortable, you will naturally change position and stop doing it. We do recommend an extra pillow to elevate your head which helps reduce any swelling and bruising after surgery.
Q) Will the results last?
The surgery is a permanent repair, so unless you decide to restretch your earlobes, they will retain a small, natural shape for the rest of your life.
Q) Can I pierce or restretch my ears after earlobe surgery?
The short answer is yes. You are free to pierce (and if you choose, stretch) your ears after surgery. Though having paid for corrective surgery once, we’re not sure too many people would want to stretch them again!
If you’d like more information about earlobe repair, our clinics or surgeons, please feel free to call our team on 01324 578290 or email mailto:info@aurora-clinics.co.uk.