Earlobe Gauge Repair

CONSULTATION

Meet with Dr. Apostolakis to discuss your goals and create a tailored treatment plan.

PROCEDURE

The actual repair starts by numbing the area with a shot of local anesthetic. The local anesthetic is very effective and allows for the procedure to be done comfortably awake. Once the ear is numb, the skin lining the inside of the gauge is removed and the loop of skin is partially removed. Skin is rotated and adjusted using what surgeons refer to as “flaps” to attain a normal earlobe shape. Small gauge holes can sometimes be treated the same as you would treat a simple stretched conventional piercing and may not require any flaps or tricky manipulation of the tissue. This type of repair is much quicker and costs less money. A more complex repair will take about an hour whereas the less complex repairs take about 10 minutes. The incisions are closed using many very small sutures that look like fine blond hair.

RECOVERY

The sutures will dissolve about a week after surgery. If desired, a standard piercing can be done about 6 weeks later. Recovery is mostly painless. There is little if any bruising and only mild swelling of the earlobe. You should refrain from vigorous physical activity for a few days and treat the ears gently for about 10 days. Swimming should be avoided for about a week, but you may shower normally the day after surgery. 

RISKS

Risks include but are not limited to infection and failure to achieve the desired appearance.