The Procedure
Dr Belt has extensive experience in the repair of torn or stretched earlobes as a result of previous piercings that have pulled through the tissue in the earlobe.
This is also the case where patients have used sizers and have stretched the earlobes excessively.
Each procedure is tailored to the nature of the defect. The smallest defects can be reconstructed using a non-overlapping Z plasty technique. The larger stretched defects or larger tears may require alternative flap repairs, for example a W plasty.
It is possible to get the ear repierced approximately three months after the repair is performed.
This surgery also attracts rebates both from Medicare and private health funds. Dr Belt will be happy to advise which procedure will be suitable for your particular condition.
Complications and Risks
All Procedures have potential complications and risks. These can be divided into general complications and those specific to each procedure. The latter are listed in the FAQs below.
General complications include:
- Wound complications - bleeding, bruising, collections under the skin of blood (haematoma), pus (abscess), serous fluid (seroma), infection, wound breakdown, suture extrusion, sensory loss;
- Aesthetic complications - poor scars, stretched scars, raised scars (keloid or hypertrophic), contour irregularities, need for revisional procedure;
- Anaesthetic complications