Torn, stretched, or gauged earlobes can affect both appearance and confidence. Whether caused by injury, heavy earrings, or body modification, earlobe damage is a common concern with a straightforward solution.
Dr. Ryan Mitchell, a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, has over 20 years of experience in facial and ear procedures. He is also a clinical faculty instructor at Touro University and is recognized throughout the Las Vegas Valley for his precision and natural-looking results. Dr. Mitchell offers expert earlobe repair and reconstruction in Henderson and Las Vegas, helping patients restore the natural shape and contour of their earlobes with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.
What Is Earlobe Repair?
Earlobe repair is a minor surgical procedure that corrects damage to the earlobe. It may involve closing a torn earlobe from an earring injury or reconstructing a stretched lobe due to gauging or heavy jewelry. Depending on the type and severity of the damage, the approach may vary from a simple stitch to a more detailed reconstruction. In every case, the goal is to restore a natural, symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing result.
Who Is A Candidate For Earlobe Repair?
Anyone with torn, stretched, or damaged earlobes may be a candidate for this procedure. Common reasons for seeking earlobe repair include:
- Partial or complete tearing from earrings
- Stretched lobes due to heavy or decorative jewelry
- Ear gauging that has left permanent holes
- Cosmetic concerns with elongated or asymmetrical earlobes
Earlobe repair can be safely performed on children, teenagers, and adults alike.
What To Expect During The Procedure
Earlobe repair is performed in the office using local anesthetic. Most procedures take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the extent of the damage. A simple repair, such as closing a split earlobe, typically takes about 15 minutes. More complex reconstruction, such as repairing a gauged ear, may take up to 45 minutes.
The repair involves precisely closing the torn tissue using fine sutures. These sutures will remain in place for about one week. The entire process is comfortable and requires no sedation or downtime.
Recovery And Aftercare
Post-operative care is straightforward. Patients are advised to:
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the area three times daily
- Clean the earlobe with hydrogen peroxide once or twice a day
- Avoid rubbing, scratching, or exposing the area to sunlight
- Shower starting the day after the procedure, but pat the area dry
- Avoid swimming for two weeks
- Return to have sutures removed after 7 days
Most patients do not need a bandage, and oral antibiotics are rarely required.
Cost And Insurance
Earlobe repair is classified as a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by insurance. Because the ear's function is unaffected, insurance providers consider the treatment elective. During your consultation, our team will provide clear pricing and discuss available payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients can re-pierce their ears six weeks after the repair. It is recommended that the new piercing be placed slightly away from the previous site to avoid the incision line. Scar tissue is not as strong as natural skin, so placing the piercing directly on the scar could increase the risk of tearing.
Yes, there will be a small scar, but it is typically very fine and fades over time. In most cases, the scar is barely noticeable and can be concealed with a properly placed earring.
Yes. If both earlobes are damaged or stretched, they can be repaired during the same visit. This does not significantly affect the recovery process.
It is not recommended to regauge the ears after they have been repaired, especially after a reconstruction from severe gauging. Re-stretching the tissue can result in re-tearing or more significant cosmetic issues.
See these before and after images to get an idea of the success other patients have found with Dr. Mitchell and his team.
Before
After
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What People are Saying
Dr. Mitchell's patients love him and his team and are always incredibly happy with their results!
A skilled personable artist with integrity. I had Radiesse done on a few occassions with Dr. Mitchell with great results. He will recommend what he thinks will help the patient ...
Excellent doctor! Had Blepharoplasty done and he did an amazing job!! Perfect work. He is also very kind and takes his time to listen to your needs. He is also ...
Recently had liposuction done by Dr. Mitchell on a problem area in my mid section and I couldn't be more happy. The staff was great and the results are amazing. ...
Why Choose Dr. Ryan Mitchell For Your Earlobe Rejuvenation & Repair?
Dr. Ryan Mitchell is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing precision procedures involving the face and ears, including earlobe repair and rejuvenation. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Known throughout the Las Vegas valley for his advanced techniques and artistic outcomes, Dr. Mitchell brings exceptional skill to even the most delicate cosmetic repairs. His background in both surgical and non-surgical facial aesthetics ensures results that are natural and balanced.
As clinical faculty at Touro University and the first surgeon in Nevada to introduce transumbilical breast augmentation, he is committed to safety, innovation, and patient education. Patients choose Dr. Mitchell for his experience, his credentials, and his personalized approach to restoring ear contour and appearance.
Expert Earlobe Care In Henderson & Las Vegas, NV
If your earlobes have been torn, stretched, or affected by gauging, Dr. Mitchell provides expert repair and reconstruction in Henderson and Las Vegas. Our goal is to help you restore a natural look with a simple, in-office procedure and personalized care from start to finish.
Contact us at 702-376-3095 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your appearance.