Ear Lobe Repair in Singapore

One of the most common causes of stretched earlobes is the prolonged wearing of heavy earrings. Over time, the gravitational pull exerted by these earrings can lead to the gradual elongation of the piercing hole. This stretching can become more pronounced if the weight is not distributed evenly or if the earrings are excessively heavy. In severe cases, the continuous weight can cause the earlobe to tear completely, especially if the earring gets caught or pulled.

Accidents can happen, and a sudden pull or snag of an earring can result in an immediate tear of the earlobe. This can occur during sports, hair combing, or even while changing clothes. Children are especially at risk if they tug on a parent’s earring, causing a sudden tear.

Ear piercings can sometimes become infected, especially if not cared for properly during the initial healing phase. An infected earlobe can swell, become red, and be painful to touch. The inflammation and weakened tissue from the infection increase the risk of tearing, especially if pressure is applied or if the earring is pulled. Additionally, allergic reactions to certain earring materials can cause similar symptoms, weakening the earlobe over time.

As the body ages, the skin loses collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for skin’s elasticity and firmness. This natural aging process can cause the earlobes to sag or become more elongated. While this doesn’t directly cause splits or tears, the weakened and thinned skin becomes more susceptible to damage, especially when combined with other factors like wearing heavy earrings.

During this session, the surgeon assesses the extent of the damage to the earlobe, discusses the patient’s concerns, and sets realistic expectations. The surgeon will also review the patient’s medical history to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This is an opportunity for the patient to ask questions and understand the entire process.

Earlobe repair is typically performed under local anesthesia. This means that the patient will be awake during the procedure but will not feel any pain. The surgeon will administer an anesthetic injection to numb the earlobe area, ensuring the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure.

• For stretched earlobes due to gauges or heavy earrings, the surgeon will remove the stretched skin and stitch the earlobe back together to restore its natural shape.
• For split earlobes, the surgeon will first freshen the edges of the split. This involves removing a small amount of skin from the torn edges to create fresh, raw surfaces that can heal together. The surgeon then uses sutures to meticulously stitch the earlobe, ensuring that the stitches are placed in a way that minimizes scarring and maintains the earlobe’s natural contour.
• In cases where there’s a partial tear, the procedure might be simpler, involving fewer stitches and a shorter recovery time.

After the procedure, the surgeon will apply a sterile dressing to protect the earlobe and facilitate healing. Patients might experience mild swelling, redness, and discomfort, which usually subsides within a few days. The surgeon will provide aftercare instructions, which typically include:

• Keeping the area clean and dry.
• Avoiding any pulling or pressure on the earlobe.
• Applying prescribed ointment or cream to prevent infections and reduce scarring.
• Returning to the clinic for a follow-up visit and suture removal, usually within a week.

The entire earlobe repair procedure is relatively quick, often taking less than an hour. However, the exact duration can vary based on the complexity of the repair and the specific technique used.