Some of the conditions we treat are partially or totally torn earlobes, keloid scars of earlobes, elongated earlobes, or earlobes with a fold or crease in them. Earlobe repair or rejuvenation can be a simple but very rewarding procedure. Torn earlobes usually occur to women who either have worn heavy earrings or had a child pull on their earrings. An earlobe could be torn partially or totally, and the surgical treatment is adjusted to the nature of the problem.
This technique can also apply to people with keloid scars on their earlobes after having an ear piercing. For the patient who is bothered by a protruding or elongated earlobe, which usually comes with age, then a wedge of the skin may be removed, thus shortening the earlobe. If a crease appears in the middle of the earlobe and creates a fold, NYC double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rokhsar injects the ear with Restylane or Radiesse can solve the problem for months to years, but not permanently.
An initial consultation is set-up where we discuss your options, and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Since this is an in-office procedure, preparation is minimal. Since the ear has an excellent blood supply, patients are encouraged to stop medications that cause bleeding, such as aspirin, or aspirin products such as Ibuprofen, a week before this procedure. Mild to moderate pain is alleviated with local anesthesia.
In most pierced ears, the pierced hold gradually enlarges over time. If it tears, the final tear is usually just through a tiny piece of tissue at the bottom of the lobe. In this case, an immediate repair will not take care of the skin covered slot, so reconstruction is delayed until after the wound has healed and inflammation has diminished. However, if the tear starts from a tiny pierced hold, immediate repair is an option.
Depending on the deformity, torn earlobe repair in NYC can take different forms. In all methods, the skin lining the slot is removed creating a raw edge to rebuild. When tissue has been lost, however, the procedure is more complicated, and reconstruction involves creating normal proportions around a somewhat small ear.
* Results May Vary
Torn earlobes are a common problem for those with pierced ears. A partial or complete earlobe tear can result from over-usage of heaving earrings that stretch the earlobe.
Reconstruction can be performed in a variety of ways depending on the tear.
The Z-plasty and L-shape technique are effective in avoiding a “W” shape at the end of the earlobe. A straight excision scar may shorten over time as it heals, pulling the bottom of the earlobe upwards to create a “W” shape. Using the Z-plasty and L-shape effect can work to avoid that issue and leave a cleaner, less noticeable scar.
Upper East Side Manhattan Office
121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110
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Long Island Office
901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 512-7616
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Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is the founder and owner of New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center. With degrees from Harvard University and NYU, along with multiple publications and media features, the double board-certified dermatologist and laser surgeon proudly shares his expertise with patients in Garden City, Manhattan, and those who fly in to receive treatments at his offices. Dr. Rokhsar has worked extensively with Vbeam laser, Thermitight, Coolsculpting, and Fraxel laser technology, as well as Allergan and other injectable brands. He pioneered the Non-Surgical Nose Job and continues to be a leader in his field.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
