Question:
I have earlobes that have been torn. I would like them repaired. Is this type of surgery done in the office under local anesthesia? What is the exact procedure?
Answer:
Repair of torn earlobes is easily performed in the office under local anesthesia. We perform the procedure by first marking out, injecting and disinfecting the earlobe. We then remove the split. If you then just suture the two halves together it will create a weak earlobe that will likely re-tear. Therefore we mark out and incise two small triangles on the back of the ear and switch them, called a z-plasty. This then places un-cut skin horizontally across the tear adding strength to the earlobe so that re-injury is less likely. Read more about ear surgery :/faqs-otoplasty.html.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
