Earrings are the essential fashion accessory and have been for ages. For many, pierced ears are a way of expressing personal style. However, ear piercing is not without risks. In fact, one of the most common problems associated with pierced ears is earlobe tears.

There are numerous causes of earlobe tears, including: accidents, chronic friction, poor piercing, and long-term heavy earring use. Unfortunately, earlobe tears can result in serious scarring and deformity, which often requires reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic Treatment Techniques

A recent study published in the journal of Dermatologic Surgery found 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.”

According to researchers who conducted the study, this method offers several advantages over other techniques:

• Restores the rounded look of the lobe
• Avoids linear scars
• Conducted easily in an outpatient setting

“This procedure is performed under local anesthetic and takes about ten minutes to complete,” said American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and lead author of the study Dr. Suzan Obagi.

Also, patients who undergo this procedure can begin wearing earrings again after only six weeks. Experts recommend the following tips to prevent future tears:

• Have ears re-pierced using a proper technique
• Avoid heavy, dangling earrings
• Do not sleep in earrings

Interested in cosmetic earlobe treatments? Please contact us to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.