Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with one of our consultant plastic surgeons to evaluate the split and discuss the treatment plan and aftercare. If a split earlobe repair is felt to be an appropriate treatment option, it may be possible to combine the consultation with the procedure as a ‘see and treat’ appointment which can be more convenient and cost-effective. This can be discussed at the time of booking the consultation.
Plastic Surgery
Earlobe Repair Cambridge
At A Glance
Price:
From £750
Expected Results:
Restoration of earlobe
Length of Surgery:
Between 30 and 60 minutes
Anaesthesia:
Local
Recovery:
Usual activities by 1 week
The Consultation
The Procedure
Split earlobe repair will be undertaken under local anaesthesia in one of our two state-of-the-art operating theatres. This will numb the area to ensure minimal pain or discomfort The procedure often involves creating a geometric re-arrangement of the skin edges along the split in order to reconstruct a smooth shape to the lobe. This is then carefully stitched together, and a dressing may be applied.
Aftercare & Results
After your procedure, you will be given personalised aftercare guidance from your consultant. This will vary depending upon the exact procedure you’ve had. It is very important that you follow the aftercare advice to achieve the optimum results.
If a dressing has been applied after the procedure you will be given instructions on how to look after the area and when to remove the dressing.
The procedure will have used you stitches, and your consultant will advise you if your stitches are absorbable or not. If not, they will usually require removal about one week after your treatment. It’s important to keep the wound clean and dry and to follow any specific instructions you’ve been given regarding wound care and when you can start to wear earrings again.
Your consultant may want you to attend a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process and see how your recovery is going.
If you have had skin surgery this will result in a scar, but there are steps you can take to minimise its visibility. Massaging the area regularly for a few minutes at a time can help the scar tissue to soften, producing a nicely faded scar. Your consultant will advise you when to start this and how to go about it. We also advise using a high SPF sunscreen on the area for around 12 months after your procedure.
What our clients think
Potential Risks
While split earlobe repair is generally considered a very safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications you should be aware of. These may include:
Infection
Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Warning signs may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the wound. Most infections will present themselves around 9 days after a procedure and the treatment is usually a one-week course of oral antibiotics. Should you have any concerns about the presence of infection we will be available to see and advise you accordingly.
Bleeding
Bleeding may occur during or after the removal procedure. In rare cases, excessive bleeding may require medical attention.
Scarring
Following any form of surgery there will be a scar. The extent of scarring can vary, and is dependent on your particular case and how you heal. We will do all we can to minimise the appearance of any unavoidable scarring.
Nerve Damage
There may be some alteration to the sensation of your earlobe. In most cases this Is temporary but rarely could be permanent.
Recurrence
Most cases of split earlobes are related to wearing earrings. The split occurs either due to the continuous weight of the earring or from a traumatic tug while wearing an earring which results in a split. While it will be perfectly possible to return to wearing earrings, continuous earing use may results in the same situation arising.
Related FAQs
What causes a split earlobe?
Split earlobes can be caused by a variety of factors, including wearing heavy earrings, trauma from an accident or pull, or natural aging. Some individuals may be more prone to split earlobes due to the shape or elasticity of their skin.
What does the earlobe repair procedure involve?
The procedure for split earlobe repair typically involves numbing the area with local anaesthesia, followed by the surgeon carefully removing the split edges of the earlobe. The two sides are then stitched together with fine sutures, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing earlobe.
Is the split earlobe repair procedure painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure due to the use of local anaesthesia. After the surgery, some soreness and swelling may occur, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by your surgeon.
How long does it take to recover from split earlobe repair?
Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to normal activities within a week. The sutures are typically removed after about one week, and full healing may take several weeks to months, depending on individual healing rates.
Can I wear earrings after my earlobe has been repaired?
It is generally advised to wait at least 6 to 12 months after the repair before re-piercing the earlobe to ensure that it has fully healed. Consulting with your surgeon regarding the best time to reintroduce earrings is important to prevent recurrence of the split.
