Stretched or split earlobes are very common. They can look unsightly and saggy and patients are concerned and self-conscious about the appearance.

The earlobe problem most commonly develops over a long period of time as a result of wearing heavy earrings. The weight of earrings gradually stretches the earlobe so that the small piercing becomes an elongated slit rather than a neatly pierced hole. What’s more, the surrounding flesh becomes loose and enlarged.

More recently, the trend to intentionally stretching the earlobes with gauges, spacers, flesh tunnels and tribal ear piercing jewellery has enabled people to create enlarged earlobe holes. Unfortunately, many patients do later on ‘change their mind’ about having stretched earlobes, perhaps when a more conventional look is required for professional purposes.

In extreme cases, the stretched ear piercing can eventually tear right through, creating a fully split earlobe. In other cases, it could be an accident in which the earring gets pulled, causing a split.

Whatever the cause, there is a treatment for enlarged earlobe holes or split earlobes.

Earlobe repair is a minor surgical procedure which can effectively close or reduce extended earlobe holes or split earlobes to reshape the earlobes for a neater and more aesthetically pleasing look.

After numbing the area with a local anaesthetic, the surgeon will make an incision in the earlobe and then remove the edges of the slit and carefully stitch them together to repair the affected area.

Where possible, stitches will be on the reverse of the ear and attention will be given to minimising scarring.

Same Day Treatment

Assuming both the doctor and patient wish to go ahead, the minor surgical procedure can usually be undertaken the same day in clinic.

This procedure is suitable for a variety of earlobe problems:

• Stretched or elongated piercings
• Split ear
• Saggy, droopy earlobes
• Torn earlobe (e.g. from wearing earrings while playing sport)
• Removal of excess/multiple/unwanted piercings
• Tribal ear piercings
• Flesh tunnels

Step by Step Earlobe Reconstruction

Firstly, the doctor/surgeon will carry out a full consultation and examination of the earlobe to understand the nature of the damage and provide information about the treatment options.

The procedure involves:

1. A local anaesthetic is delivered by injection
2. The edges of the split are removed
3. The doctor/surgeon carefully stitches the edges together to repair the earlobe. Stitching is done from the reverse of the ear where possible for a better aesthetic result
4. Removable stitches are normally taken out after a week

What aftercare is provided?

We don’t normally need to see a patient again after this procedure unless for removal of stitches.

This will be fully explained in consultation prior to treatment.

Patients are encouraged to contact us in case of any concerns or queries and we will ensure they are dealt with quickly.

Aftercare recommendations

Please see our FAQ section for more an outline of what to expect after treatment.

As part of our aftercare we recommend massaging the wound with Kelo-cote UV silicon scar gel.

This product protects the healing wound from sunlight.

A regular massage with Kelo-cots® is clinically proven to reduce scarring.