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Earlobe tears - prevention and repair |
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Wednesday, 27 September 2006 |
Because an earlobe is made of skin and fat, with no hard cartilage or bone, they are prone to tearing, usually as a result of snagging or pulling while pierced earrings are in place. A recent study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery identified the most effective technique for correcting partial tears, but as with most health matters, prevention is better than cure.
Doctors recommend that in order to avoid earlobe tears, patients should:
- Have ears pierced using a proper technique
- Not sleep while wearing earrings
- Avoid wearing heavy dangling earrings.
If an earlobe tear is not repaired, it may result in serious scarring and deformity, requiring more extensive reconstructive surgery. However the initial repair process is a relatively one, requiring just a local anaesthetic, and usually performed on an outpatient basis. If the earlobe has been torn completely (i.e. the tear has reached the bottom of the lobe), surgery cannot take place until the wound has healed. If the tear in the earlobe is only partial, reparative surgery can take place immediately, reducing the risk of permanent scarring or deformity.
A recent study published in the journal of Dermatologic Surgery suggests that the most effective treatment technique for correcting a partially-torn earlobe – which is elongated, or stretched and deformed but not completely severed – is the “purse-string method.” The procedure involves involve removing the skin lining the tear and reducing the size of the lobe. The objective is to bring the two sides of the lobe together with sutures. Special cuts can be made during the procedure to promote healing and reshaping. This method is said to restore the original rounded look of the earlobe while avoiding linear scars.
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