On a Tear
Pierced ears can go from a fashion plus
to
an appearance drawback.
Women like their earrings. And some men do, too. But what happens
when your pierced ears end up torn, making you look like you have been
mugged?
 Here is
a photograph of a patient with a torn earlobe that has been pulled all the way
through. An otolaryngologist/facial plastic surgeon can easily repair it
surgically.
Tips: Don't ear heavy earrings that pull down on your earlobes
excessively. Don't wear earrings, including clip ons, for four to six
weeks after surgery. If you have an infant or small child, don't wear large
loop earrings that will tempt him or her to grab hold and pull, thus tearing
your earlobe.
The newest method for repairing a torn earlobe is called the flap
technique. When using this technique, your surgeon cuts a small triangular
notch at the bottom of the lobe. A matching flap is then created from
tissue on the other side of the tear, and the two wedges are fitted together and
stitched. This method allows the earlobe to heal smoothly, without pulling
or dimpling. The procedure is relatively inexpensive and may be covered by
insurance as reconstructive surgery.
Depending on the nature of the injury, your surgeon may select another method
for repairing earlobe tears. The most common are the straight-line closure
and the z-plasty procedure.
Earlobes typically heal quickly, with minimal scarring. In most cases,
the earlobe can be pierced again four to six weeks after surgical
reconstruction.
Source: American Academy of
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
© 2004 AAO-HNS/AAO-HNSF
Please read our disclaimer. Any information provided on this Web site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with Dr. Hector N. Hernandez or other healthcare professional. If you have a medical problem, contact us for diagnosis and treatment. |
