Ear piercing is a common way to attach jewelry. Unfortunately, this practice can frequently cause complications. Earlobe tears and keloids are issues we see most commonly.
The earlobe is made of skin and fat and is sensitive to heavy earrings or traumatic pulling. This can elongate an ear piercing hole or tear through the edge of the earlobe causing the lobe to split. Repairs are done under local anesthesia in our procedure suite. Various techniques are used depending on the type of tear and fine sutures are placed for a week until the skin heals. Re-piercing is performed after a few weeks. The scar heals well in this area and again, the goal is to recreate a smooth contour at the edge of the repair.