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Services

EARLOBE REPAIR

Earlobe repair restores damaged, torn, or stretched earlobes to their natural shape and appearance through precise surgical techniques. This outpatient procedure corrects problems caused by heavy earrings, accidents, or ear gauging, allowing patients to regain confidence and the ability to wear earrings again. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in Danville, Dr. Potozkin performs earlobe repair with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring minimal scarring and optimal cosmetic results.

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What Is Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair restores damaged earlobes to their natural state through precise surgical reconstruction. This minor procedure addresses torn, split, stretched, or elongated earlobes that can result from wearing heavy earrings, accidents, or intentional stretching from gauges. If you have damaged earlobes that prevent you from wearing earrings comfortably or cause embarrassment about your appearance, earlobe repair can provide a permanent solution.

The procedure involves surgically removing damaged tissue and carefully suturing the earlobe back together to create a smooth, natural contour. This outpatient surgery is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the repair needed.

Common reasons for earlobe repair include:

  • Heavy earrings causing gradual stretching or sudden tears
  • Accidents where earrings are caught and pulled
  • Intentional stretching from gauges or plugs
  • Natural aging causing earlobe elongation
  • Congenital earlobe clefts or deformities
  • Injury from sports or other activities

Earlobe repair provides permanent results, restoring both function and aesthetics. Most patients can have their ears re-pierced after complete healing, typically 3-6 months post-surgery

How Does Earlobe Repair Work?

Earlobe repair works by surgically removing damaged tissue and reconstructing the earlobe to restore its natural shape and integrity. The procedure begins with local anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. We use precise surgical techniques customized for each patient’s specific type of damage, whether it’s a simple tear, stretched piercing, or complex gauge repair. Our Danville patients appreciate our meticulous suturing techniques that minimize scarring and create the most natural-looking results possible.

What Types of Earlobe Damage Can We Repair?

We successfully repair various types of earlobe damage:

Tear Patterns:

  • Complete splits through the bottom of the earlobe
  • Partial tears that haven’t completely separated
  • Multiple tears from different incidents
  • Irregular or jagged tear patterns

Stretching Issues:

  • Enlarged piercing holes from heavy earrings
  • Gauge stretching that hasn’t returned to normal
  • Elongated earlobes from years of wearing heavy jewelry
  • Asymmetric stretching between ears

Surgical Techniques:

  • Wedge excision: For complete tears through the earlobe
  • Core excision: For enlarged holes that need closing
  • Rotation flaps: For complex repairs, maintaining earlobe shape
  • Layered closure: Ensuring strong, aesthetic repair

Additional Concerns:

  • Keloid or hypertrophic scar revision
  • Earlobe reduction for oversized lobes
  • Correction of previous unsuccessful repairs
  • Bilateral repairs for symmetry

Dr. Potozkin evaluates each case individually to determine the best surgical approach for optimal results.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Earlobe Repair?

Ideal candidates for earlobe repair include individuals who:

  • Have torn, split, or stretched earlobes
  • Are bothered by the appearance of damaged earlobes
  • Want to wear earrings again safely
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations about surgical results
  • Are willing to follow post-operative care instructions
  • Can avoid wearing earrings during the healing period

If you’re in the Danville area with damaged earlobes that affect your confidence or ability to wear jewelry, our expert team can evaluate whether earlobe repair is right for your specific situation during a comprehensive consultation.

Patients with active infections, bleeding disorders, or unrealistic expectations about scarring may need to address these issues before proceeding with surgery.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Dermatologist

Selecting a board-certified dermatologist for your earlobe repair ensures optimal results and safety. Proper surgical technique, precise tissue handling, and meticulous closure are essential for achieving natural-looking results with minimal scarring. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, Dr. Potozkin has extensive experience with facial reconstructive procedures and understands the importance of creating repairs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

During your consultation in Danville, Dr. Potozkin will examine your earlobes, discuss your goals, and explain the surgical options available for your specific type of damage. We’ll review the procedure details, recovery expectations, and timeline for re-piercing if desired. Whether you have a simple tear or complex damage from gauging, we’ll create a customized surgical plan designed to restore your earlobes to their most natural appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Earlobe Repair

How long does earlobe repair surgery take?

The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity of the repair. Simple tears may take less time, while complex gauge repairs or bilateral procedures may take longer.

What does recovery involve?

Recovery is generally straightforward with minimal downtime. Most patients return to work the next day. Sutures are removed in 1-2 weeks, and complete healing takes 6-8 weeks.

When can I wear earrings again?

We recommend waiting at least 3-6 months before re-piercing to ensure complete healing.

Will there be visible scarring?

Our surgical techniques minimize scarring, and most scars fade significantly over time. The final scar is typically a thin line that blends naturally with the earlobe contour.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Doctors Ellis and Potozkin

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900