Earlobe Repair

The earlobe is the only area of the outer ear without structure-providing cartilage, making it susceptible to stretching and tearing over time. Wearing heavy earrings or gauges are common reasons for split or stretched earlobes, while accidents are the leading cause of earlobe tears. No matter the reasons, we can bring your earlobes back to their original state with earlobe repair surgery.

Dr. John P. Freeman has extensive experience repairing and reshaping earlobes back to their natural, healthy appearance. As a leading expert in facial surgery in Katy, TX, Dr. Freeman is dedicated to providing patients with outstanding results in a comfortable setting. If you’re interested in learning more about earlobe repair surgery and would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Freeman, please contact us at 281-599-9445 or visit our contact page.

What Is Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair is plastic surgery to restore stretched or torn earlobes. Years of wearing heavy earrings can cause piercing holes, as well as the entire earlobe, to become droopy and long. Gauging results in permanently stretched lobes, and accidents involving earrings can lead to tears. For all of these and other scenarios, earlobe repair surgery can help restore the earlobe to its original shape.

Earlobe repair surgery, medically known as loboplasty, is a minor surgery that is performed in the office under local anesthesia or IV sedation. The procedure usually takes no longer than an hour to complete. Initial recovery takes place within a week, while complete recovery may take up to 12 weeks. Scars usually take up to a year to fade. Once your incision has completely healed, you can re-pierce your ears and enjoy your favorite jewelry once again! Dr. Freeman can even do the re-piercing.

Different surgical techniques are employed in earlobe repair, depending on the type and severity of the tear or deformity. A popular technique used by Dr. Freeman is Z-plasty. What this essentially involves is making a “Z-pattern” incision in the lobe and stitching it together. This technique reduces tension in the newly formed scar, making it blend better with the surrounding skin as it heals.

Other more complex techniques involve preserving the ear orifice, while those that do not preserve the original hole use simple straight stitches. Some earlobe injuries require the use of skin flaps from other areas of the body. Dr. Freeman will discuss your options with you during your initial consultation so you can decide on the best course of action.

Earlobe Repair vs. Earlobe Reduction

Stretched earlobes and naturally large earlobes can both be improved with surgery but require a different approach. Patients with naturally large earlobes or those whose earlobes have elongated with age may be better candidates for a different type of loboplasty: earlobe reduction.

Earlobe repair is mainly done to restore earlobes to their original appearance following injury or years of stretching, while earlobe reduction is done to correct overly droopy, large or elongated earlobes. Droopy earlobes can affect your confidence or make it difficult for you to wear earrings. Some people have naturally large or long earlobes, while others see their earlobes change shape as they age. Whatever your reason, Dr. Freeman can address your concerns with quick and simple earlobe surgery techniques.

As with earlobe repair, different techniques are used for earlobe reduction:

Wedge technique: The surgeon marks a wedge shape of excess tissue to be removed. They will inject a local anesthetic into the earlobe and begin making an incision. They will then remove the excess tissue and close the incisions with stitches.

Peripheral margin reduction technique: The surgeon marks the lower edge of the earlobe and injects a local anesthetic. They excise the lower part of the lobe to reduce its size and close the area with stitches.

Earlobe reduction is an in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation. You may need to follow a couple of guidelines before and after this procedure, but overall downtime and aftercare restrictions are minimal.

Benefits of Earlobe Repair

The main benefit of earlobe repair surgery is restoring a natural appearance to earlobes that have been stretched or torn. Additionally, there are other reasons why you may wish to consider this procedure:

– Minor surgery with few risks and downsides
– No need for general anesthesia and prolonged downtime
– An in-office procedure that is complete within an hour
– Relatively painless recovery

Following this surgery, patients can get back to their usual routine and do not need to take time off from work. Once their ears heal, they can wear any jewelry or hairstyle they wish.

Who Is a Candidate for Earlobe Repair?

Men and women of any age can benefit from surgical reconstruction to restore the appearance of their earlobes.

Almost anyone with stretched or torn earlobes can be a candidate for this procedure. Even older adults with health conditions and children can be candidates since this procedure is not associated with serious complications.

In general, Dr. Freeman may consider you for this surgery if you:

– Have stretched earlobes resulting from years of wearing heavy earrings
– Have a partially or completely ripped earlobe due to a pulled earring or other accident
– Want to return to a natural look after gauging
– Want to close or reposition earlobe holes

The only contraindication to earlobe repair is having an active infection in the earlobe. Dr. Freeman may recommend prescription antibiotics in cases of active infections before making decisions about surgery. You also need to have realistic expectations and be able to adhere to our pre- and post-procedure guidelines to be a candidate.

During an initial consultation, Dr. Freeman will discuss your concerns about your earlobes and determine if surgery is an appropriate option. Dr. Freeman is a highly regarded facial surgeon in the Katy area, and whether you require earlobe repair or a more complex procedure, you can be confident in his abundant precision and care when performing surgery.

What to Expect

What to Expect: Your Earlobe Repair Surgery Consultation

During your first consultation, Dr. Freeman will take your medical history. He will ask you about any past or present conditions, previous surgical treatments, any allergies and whether you are currently on any medication. This helps him determine which course of action will ensure the procedure goes smoothly with the lowest risk of complications.

Dr. Freeman will then examine your earlobes and discuss your options and concerns. He will explain the procedure and tell you what you can expect from this surgery. He will also provide you with instructions on how to get ready for your surgery. In most cases, preparation involves stopping taking blood-thinning medications and supplements prior to the procedure and refraining from smoking and alcohol.

What to Expect: Your Earlobe Repair Surgery Procedure

Earlobe repair surgery is a minor procedure that is performed in the office using a local anesthetic or IV sedation. For this procedure, Dr. Freeman will cleanse and sanitize the treatment area, then inject a local anesthetic into your earlobe and wait for the area to become numb.

If repairing a tear, Dr. Freeman may carefully remove skin from either side of the tear to create new, clean edges that can be sutured together. He will then stitch the sides of the earlobe together and bandage the area.

In cases of significant tissue loss, Dr. Freeman may take one or more flaps of tissue from another area and use them to rebuild the earlobe. Depending on the severity of the case, earlobe repair surgery usually takes around one hour.

What to Expect: Your Earlobe Repair Surgery Recovery

Earlobe repair usually does not require time away from work and other normal activities. Dr. Freeman will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to follow. He will explain how to clean and care for the incision site, and let you know whether you will need to have your stitches removed during a follow-up appointment.

After surgery, your lobe may be red and tender and may develop a temporary bumpiness. These effects should resolve on their own and can be managed with over-the-counter medications.

Be careful not to disturb the earlobe with jewelry, hats, exercise or sports while it heals. Dr. Freeman may recommend wearing a headwrap to protect the incision while it is most vulnerable.

What to Expect: Your Earlobe Repair Surgery Results

Your earlobe will fully heal after six to 12 weeks, and scarring can continue to fade for up to one year. Scarring from earlobe surgery is minimal, especially when this procedure is performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon like Dr. Freeman.

We advise patients to wait at least two months before having their ears pierced following earlobe repair. If Dr. Freeman has used a technique that involves preserving the orifice, it is a good idea to avoid wearing earrings until the incision has completely healed.

Earlobe reconstruction does not prevent future damage — a new tear can occur if you continue to wear heavy jewelry or the lobe sustains an injury. Consider wearing only lighter earrings to maintain the repair.

Will a Split Earlobe Repair Itself?

Although some earlobe tears heal on their own over time, the result is often unsatisfactory. Allowing a damaged earlobe to heal without medical care can result in misshapen lobes and unsightly scars that make it difficult to re-pierce the ear. It can also lead to infections since blood flow to the earlobes is generally poor, and wounds take a long time to heal in this area.

Seek medical help if you have injured your earlobe. A skilled surgeon can help you get your earlobe back to normal after acute injury and prolonged stretching.

Will a Stretched Ear Go Back to Normal?

Earlobes that have become extremely stretched due to heavy earrings, gauging or aging will not return to their previous state without surgery. While earlobe tissue may contract a bit in these cases, it usually does not occur to the extent most patients desire.

With gauging, earlobes may revert to a normal piercing if the gauges were 10mm or less. If they were larger, the tissue may contract to some extent, but most patients with large gauges will need surgery to repair the stretched earlobes.

How Much Does Earlobe Repair Cost?

Earlobe repair surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons, so most health insurance companies will not cover this procedure. The costs of earlobe repair surgery depend on the type of repair needed and if one or both ears are involved. It can also depend on the complexity and severity of the damage.

Prices can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars for more complex procedures. Dr. Freeman will discuss the costs with you during your consultation and offer several financing options, including Lending Tree and Care Credit.

Can You Fix Earlobes Without Surgery?

Dermal fillers can be used in place of surgery for some aesthetic earlobe concerns or to enhance the results of earlobe repair.

Patients with mildly stretched earlobes can have the piercing slightly modified with a small amount of filler. Dermal fillers can make the earlobe plump, which helps keep stud earrings from drooping and improves the overall appearance and symmetry of your ears.

Contact Dr. Freeman’s Clinic in Katy, TX, for Torn Earlobe Correction

The practice of ear piercing has been around for centuries, and earrings are one of the most popular types of jewelry. If, despite taking precautions, you end up with a stretched or torn earlobe, or you decide you no longer want your piercing, your ear can be repaired with a minor surgical procedure.

Earlobe reconstruction is a simple surgery that can correct a torn earlobe in a short amount of time and allow you to wear your favorite pieces of jewelry once again. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Freeman to learn more about torn earlobe repair in Katy, Texas, by contacting 281-599-9445 or visiting our contact page.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Candidates for a facelift include those experiencing the signs of aging, those who have lost weight and who wish to eliminate excess skin in the face and neck areas, and those who wish to reduce the appearance of excess fat around the face and neck.

Because there are many different types of facelifts, including full and mini facelifts, it is important to consult with a skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon in Houston to determine which kind of facelift procedure would be the best given your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Your age, your areas of concern, and your desired results all play an important role in determining what kind of surgery would be the most appropriate for you.

What Are the Different Types of Facelift?

There are several types of Facelift. Each of these options is well-suited for particular cosmetic concerns. The most common facelift procedures include:

Full Facelift

A full facelift creates the most comprehensive results compared to other facelift procedures. The procedure requires more extensive incisions, but the results are fantastic and can help remove years of age from your image. The procedure is perfect if you struggle with sagging cheeks and wrinkles, and lines around your mouth and nose. A full facelift essentially corrects cosmetic concerns in the mid and lower face region. Incisions for a full facelift are made around the ears and up to the temples. Patients in their 50’s or 60’s will find this Facelift particularly beneficial because it can correct severe signs of age.

Mid-Facelift

This Facelift is ideal if you seek to correct concerns beneath your eyes or around your cheeks. Sunken cheeks, sagging skin along the jawline and wrinkles around the nose can all be corrected with a mid-facelift. The technique utilizes deeper incisions, but they are small than the incisions required for a full facelift. The procedure is excellent for patients in their 30’s or 40’s who are beginning to notice signs of age and don’t want them to continue developing.

Lower Facelift

A lower facelift focuses specifically on cosmetic concerns around the mouth and jaw. If you have a double chin, struggle with jowls or have nasolabial folds, lines that run from the nose to the mouth, then a lower facelift is an excellent procedure. Incisions are made along the ears and hairline.

Is a Facelift Right for You?

If you desire to eliminate excess skin and fat in your face and neck, then a facelift is right for you. You are a good candidate for a facelift if you have developed facial cosmetic concerns due to reasons such as age or weight loss. Common cosmetic concerns that make people consider having a facelift include:

Moderate to severe sagging
Wrinkles, crease and folds
Hollowed cheeks
An uneven jawline

Although the procedure is often performed on patients ranging in age from their 40’s to 60’s, there is no age restriction. However, some contraindications can prevent you from having the surgery. Tobacco use, high blood pressure, obesity and certain health conditions can potentially lead to complications. You will also need to reserve a significant amount of time for recovery after your procedure, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
A facelift is a procedure that can enhance your appearance by ridding your face of certain cosmetic flaws. However, it is best to go into the procedure with realistic expectations. A facelift won’t completely change your facial structure, nor will it put a stop to the natural aging process. Your results will be long-lasting, but signs of age will eventually return. Despite this, a facelift will give you a fantastic image that will make you look your best given your age.

What to Expect: Your Facelift Consultation

Because there are many different types of facelifts, including full and mini facelifts, it is essential to consult with a skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon in Houston to determine which kind of facelift procedure would be the best given your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Your age, areas of concern, and desired results all play an important role in determining what kind of surgery would be the most appropriate for you.

Dr. Freeman is an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon with many years of experience. With compassion and professionalism, Dr. Freeman will review your cosmetic concerns during a personalized consultation and devise a well-suited treatment plan to your unique goals. Your treatment plan may include a facelift procedure exclusively, or you may be recommended a facelift combined with other treatments, including a brow lift or blepharoplasty.

What to Expect: Your Facelift Procedure

Your Facelift will be performed utilizing either IV sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on which you prefer. Most patients prefer general anesthesia. Before Dr. Freeman begins your procedure, you will slip a surgical gown on and be connected to equipment that measures your EKG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and carbon dioxide levels to ensure safety. Dr. Freeman will then mark your facial structure with a surgical pen where incisions will be made.

These markings will be unique to your aesthetic goals since there are different surgical techniques for a facelift. Once you are prepped, Dr. Freeman will begin making the incisions. Incisions are typically made in the hairlines and the temples, extending around the ears and the lower scalp. In the neck lift procedure, an incision is usually made in front of the ear lobe, wrapping around behind the ear and ending in the lower scalp. Your fat may be sculpted, removed or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck through these incisions. Underlying tissues and muscles may also be repositioned, depending on what your goals are.

After altering your facial structure’s fat, muscle and tissues, your skin is carefully positioned so that it is more contoured and taut, relieving your image of cosmetic flaws. Excess skin is then trimmed away. Once Dr. Freeman has finished improving your facial structure’s appearance, he will utilize tiny sutures or skin adhesives to close the incisions. Small drains may be put into place to remove excess fluid build-up and reduce swelling.

What to Expect: Your Facelift Recovery

Following your facelift procedure, dressings will be put into place that will be removed after one day. Your face will be bruised and swollen, but these are usual side effects that will subside. Your dressings may be reapplied, depending on which type of facelift technique you have performed, and surgical drains, if used, will be removed. Dr. Freeman will provide you with thorough post-operative instructions to you and your caretaker that will ensure you have a smooth recovery. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled during which Dr. Freeman will examine your treated area and make certain that you are healing correctly. Facelift patients are usually seen one day after surgery, three to four days after surgery and after one week for suture removal.

What to Expect: Your Facelift Results

Swelling and bruising will gradually subside, and your results will be apparent. Your final results will give you a more toned and smooth image, giving you a more flattering, youthful appearance that can boost your confidence. Given the versatile nature of a facelift and the various surgical techniques that can be used, you can experience smoother cheeks, jowl correction and reduced appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Your facelift results can be long-lasting so long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a daily skincare regimen. Your results can last as long as five to 15 years. However, as mentioned earlier, a facelift is not a permanent cosmetic solution. The natural aging process will lead to more wrinkles and sags. Despite this, having a facelift will make you look many years younger than those who do not.

It is important to note that a facelift and a brow lift are different procedures leading to different results.

Often patients who elect to undergo a facelift choose also to undergo a brow lift as well. Dr. Freeman, an experienced facial plastic surgeon in Houston, works closely with his patients to assess their goals and to find the best treatment plan to achieve beautiful and natural results. With years of experience in maxillofacial surgery behind him, you can rest assured that the outcome will be spectacular.

Contact Dr. Freeman’s Clinic in Katy, TX

Your face is among your most expressive facets. How it looks and appears can ultimately impact how you perceive yourself and how others see you. Unfortunately, the natural aging process can take a toll on your facial structure’s quality, resulting in various cosmetic flaws. Jowls, sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds and marionette lines are among some of the most cosmetic concerns associated with age. Various cosmetic treatments can improve these flaws, but with just one procedure, you can do a complete upheaval and restore your image into one that is fresh with vitality. A facelift, offered at Dr. Freeman’s Clinic in Katy, TX, can greatly help reverse age signs, giving you an image that you can be proud of. If you are interested in learning more about a facelift and would like to learn more about the various surgical techniques that Dr. Freeman can perform, please schedule a consultation by contacting us at 281-599-9445 or visit our contact page.