Torn Ear Lobe Repair

Lobuloplasty
(Repair of Torn-Split Ear lobe)

Torn earlobes usually occur to women who either have worn heavy earrings or had a child pull on their earring. An earlobe could be torn partially or totally, and the surgical treatment is adjusted to the nature of the problem.

Procedure

After cleaning all side of ear, with povidone iodine & spirit.

● Inject 1-2 ml of 2% lignocaine around the elongated hole in ear lobe.

● Do not inject at the angle of earlobe with the jaw. It sometimes gets onto the facial nerve and cause drooping of the corner of mouth which may be very distressing for the patient (though it is temporary)

● Make an incision in the skin around the hole-splitting into anterior and posterior leave.

● Now make the edges raw. Keep on the pressure with your gloved fingers to reduce oozing.

● Now suture the anterior flaps so formed with 3 ‘o’ or 4 ‘o’ ethilon sutures.
● Similarly suture the posterior flaps.
● Use pressure dressing.
Sutures are removed 1 – 2 weeks after the repair procedure. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment is the only dressing applied in most cases. A little drainage from the wound is to be expected.
Wait 2 months after surgery before wearing earrings. The scar should be soft before you get your lobe re-pierced, approximately two months after the earlobe repair.

Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 35 years of experience covering in Ear, Nose and Throat procedures, specializing in Laser Surgery and conventional medicine across India, U.K. and Middle East. He is currently engaged with the Jubilee Hospital, in Kerala, India.