Torn or split earlobes are a very common female ear problem. (and increasingly so in men also) Almos always the cause is ear rings. Whether the weight of them with time causes a near split or having someone pull on one resulting in a laceration, a bifurcated earlobe is often the result. Many people walk around with this problem fearing that a corrective procedure is painful, expensive, or both.
In reality, an earlobe repair is quite simple and relatively inexpensive. In my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice, I perform it as an office procedure under local anesthesia. The split edges are freshened up and a linear (or staggered for some) line of closure is done. Sutures are placed on both the front and backside of the earlobe. There are no other dressings. One can perform any activity after and freely get it wet in the shower or pool the next day. There may be some mild swelling of the earlobe and the fine sutures are slightly visible. Sutures are removed in 7 to 10 days whenever it is convenient for the patient. The critical question (which is always asked) of re-piercing the ears can be done again 6 weeks after the repair.
Repair of torn earlobes is a simple, uncomplicated and very effective procedure. A fine line scar will be left from the new/old hole down to the rim of the earlobe but this will be obscured by new earrings. At the cost of a few hundred dollars per ear, a reconstructed and functional earlobe can be recreated.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana