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Earlobe Repair & Reduction
Earlobe repair and reduction surgery in London is a procedure that restores torn earlobes and reduces their size for a more balanced appearance. Dr Braham has an extensive experience in treating and reconstructing complex Split and Stretched Earlobes deformities. He is committed to delivering outstanding surgical outcomes with minimal scarring and help restore your confidence, making him the ideal choice for anyone considering this surgery at a state-of-the-art facility.
What is Earlobe Repair and Reduction?
Earlobe repair and reduction surgery are common cosmetic procedures that reshape, resize, and restore earlobes. Dr Braham uses advanced techniques to correct issues like split or torn earlobes, stretched lobes from piercings or tribal jewellery, and elongation caused by ageing or heavy earrings. Whether cosmetic or due to injury, these surgeries improve ear appearance and symmetry, enhancing facial harmony. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic in about an hour as a day case, allowing same-day discharge.
Depending on your needs, surgery may repair splits, reduce elongated lobes, correct shapes altered by gauging, remove scars or keloids, or reconstruct damaged lobes. A small amount of skin may be removed and the area stitched with removable sutures, leaving minimal scars that fade over time. People seek earlobe surgery due to sagging from ageing or heavy earrings, torn lobes from injury, cosmetic concerns, reversal of tribal piercings, or scar correction. These issues can affect confidence and limit jewellery use; surgery restores both function and aesthetics. Candidates are usually over 18, healthy, dissatisfied with their lobes, and have realistic expectations.
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How does Earlobe Repair and Reduction Work?
Split, torn, or stretched earlobes are common cosmetic concerns, especially among women who wear heavy earrings or have experienced trauma. At The Braham Institute in London, these issues can be corrected with simple procedures under local anaesthetic. Earlobe repair surgery is a minor procedure that can treat one or both lobes in the same session, with full numbness ensuring comfort. Earlobe reduction usually takes about 30 minutes per ear and involves numbing, marking, removing excess skin, and closing with stitches.
The lobe may sometimes be reattached to maintain facial balance. While some pressure may be felt, the procedure is not painful. Scars are discreetly placed in natural ear folds and tend to fade over weeks. For split or torn lobes, surgeons remove excess tissue and use a zig-zag W-plasty stitching technique to prevent notching and promote smooth healing. Stretched earlobes from gauging or tribal piercings may require more complex surgery with skin removal and flap creation to restore natural shape. Re-piercing is usually delayed six weeks to reduce recurrence risk, with surgeons advising individually. The Braham Institute’s skilled surgeons focus on natural, pleasing results, with most patients resuming normal activities within days and full healing taking several weeks.
Earlobe Repair and Reduction Before and Afters
What are the Risks for Earlobe Repair and Reduction?
95% of Dr. Braham’s cases proceed without complications; however, complications may occur and can include:
- Scarring
- Infection
- Bleeding or Hematoma
- Asymmetry
- Poor Wound Healing
- Recurrence of the Split or Stretching
- Numbness or Sensitivity
- Allergic Reactions
What is the Aftercare Process?
Discharge and Activity: Earlobe repair surgery usually involves minimal downtime, allowing most patients to return to work and drive the same day.
Wound Care: Keep the area dry and avoid washing the earlobes for the first three days to let incisions heal undisturbed.
Rest and Restrictions: Rest is important—light activities are okay, but avoid exercise for at least three days and sexual activity for one week.
Sleeping Position and Irritation Prevention: Sleep on your back for at least one week to prevent pressure on the ears. Avoid irritation by not pressing phones or wearing headphones near the area.
Sun Protection: Protect the treated area from direct sunlight to prevent scars from darkening and to support healing.
Follow-Up Care: In the first week, attend a post-op appointment with the nursing team to check incision sites and healing progress.
Recovery Timeline: Between weeks 2 and 4, swelling and sensitivity should significantly reduce; at week 6, a final follow-up with your surgeon will assess results and discuss any further steps like re-piercing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is earlobe repair or reduction surgery?
Earlobe repair and reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape, resize, or repair earlobes that have been stretched, torn, split, or enlarged due to ageing, injury, or heavy jewellery.
Who is a good candidate for earlobe surgery?
You may be suitable if you are physically and psychologically healthy, unhappy with the shape or size of your earlobes, or if your earlobes have been damaged by injury or jewellery. The procedure is suitable for both men and women.
Is the procedure painful?
The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the area is completely numbed. You will remain awake but won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Will I have visible scars after surgery?
Scarring is minimal. Surgeons use fine sutures and discreet incision techniques to reduce the visibility of scars. Most patients find that scars fade significantly over time.
Can I re-pierce my ears after surgery?
Yes, but it’s important to wait until your surgeon confirms that the earlobe has healed fully. This is usually around 6–8 weeks after the procedure.
What results can I expect from earlobe repair or reduction?
You can expect a more symmetrical, youthful, and natural appearance to your earlobes. The procedure can also restore the ability to wear earrings comfortably again if damage was previously limiting this.
