Learn More About Gauging and Earlobe Repair
The widespread popularity of piercing ears has spawned a variety of piercing trends. From large, heavy earrings to “ear gauging” which are used to purposely widen ear lobes for plug and tunnel jewelry, the earlobes will become elongated and at times tear. Eventually, a person may want to repair their earlobes that have been stretched overtime. Many patients who consult with Dr. Donn R. Chatham at Chatham Facial Surgery centers in Louisville, Kentucky (KY) and New Albany, Indiana (IN) do not like the large earlobe holes and/or earlobe tears and want to have their earlobes repaired to their normal size.
In addition, as we age, sometimes the earlobes enlarge and become droopy, and wearing earrings is poorly supported. Earlobe reduction surgery can help improve this condition and is performed in the office under local anesthesia.
As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Donn Chatham can expertly repair and rejuvenate a person’s earlobe with minimal surgery. If you desire your earlobes to be resized and reshaped click here to learn how Dr. Chatham performs ear shaping (otoplasty) surgery.
Ethnicity & Rhinoplasty: Characteristics of A Non-Caucasian Noses
Dr. Chatham has performed nose surgery on patients of different ethnicities. He understands that individuals from specific ethnicities, such as African Americans may desire to correct nasal deformities while retaining ethnic characteristics. One of the main concerns is how perform ethnic rhinoplasty without upsetting the delicate balance of facial features that define patients of specific ethnicity groups.
Dr. Chatham will candidly discuss with your desired aesthetic goals and make every effort to retain the ethnic features that you desire.
How do the Earlobes Become Damaged & How Are They Repaired?
A person’s earlobes are mostly made of skin and fatty tissue, with little to no cartilage. If a person puts strain on the earlobes from wearing heavy earrings, the earlobes can stretch and/or tear. In children, their earlobe may have a tear which can also be repaired.
In the case of ear gauging, men and women gradually stretch their earlobes ranging from a small circular diameter to much larger holes. Patients interested in gauging earlobe repair no longer find the holes desirable and wish to restore their earlobes.
Earlobe repair requires the precise removal of small areas of skin between torn or stretched earlobes and then sewing the earlobe sections together on the front and back of the earlobe. The earlobe repair is done in the office and typically is completed in less than one hour. The earlobes naturally heal in ten days and may be re-pierced.
What is the Recovery Process?
The degree of discomfort varies with the most uncomfortable part of the recovery being difficulty breathing through the nose for several days due to swelling. Within one to two weeks the swelling subsides and breathing improves. Patients should also expect some bruising around your eyes for a week or so which resolves. Typically, patients can expect their swelling and bruising to resolve after two weeks. Patients are counselled not to bend or lift objects as it can prolong swelling. Physical activities and contact sports should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Dr. Chatham will discuss your recovery plan with you and provides his patients with detailed written post-op instructions on what to expect and when they can hope to resume certain activities.
Why Donn Chatham, MD for your Chemical Peels & Skin Care Services?
Dr. Donn Chatham, Medical Director of Chatham Facial Surgery is a double board-certified surgeon. He is certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. He is an experienced and highly skilled aesthetic facial rejuvenation surgeon. His surgical skills combined with an artistic eye produce long lasting and natural-looking results for his thousands of satisfied patients. If you desire a surgical facial, non-surgical facial procedure, laser/light-source treatment, and a variety of medical skin care services in a caring and supportive environment, schedule your consultation at one of Dr. Chatham’s two facial centers of aesthetic excellence in Louisville, KY or Albany, IN.