Torn Earlobes

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torn earlobes

What are torn earlobes?

Earring holes start as tight little holes/channels for an earring, but over time may come to look more like an elongated slit more than a hole. Typically, heavy earrings play a role in this evolution, but sometimes it even happens with stud-style earrings. Usually, it happens over time and isn’t particularly traumatic (i.e. no bleeding, pain, etc.), but occasionally it happens more acutely from someone or something pulling at an earring and tearing the hole. Either way, it is an easy fix.

To learn more about your treatment options, schedule an appointment with Steele Dermatology online or give us a call at (770) 464-6000.

What causes torn earlobes?

Torn earlobes happen either because of wearing heavy earrings over the years or because of trauma. Sometimes you know that you wore heavy hoops or even heavy studs, but sometimes it is earrings that you don’t even consider to be particularly heavy because they don’t feel heavy to you. Of course, your earring hole can also be traumatically torn in an accident.

Where do you get torn earlobes?

It may occur in one or both earlobes. Sometimes one earlobe splits the whole way through before the other and it makes sense to repair both. 

How do we treat torn earlobes?

Earlobe repair surgery

Earlobe Repair Surgery

Surgery is used to treat torn earlobes. The torn hole must actually be excised (cut out) and then put back together. The procedure is performed by Dr. Steele Johnson and the area is first numbed with local anesthetic, then she’ll precisely remove the stretched out area and put the fresh skin layers back together. You will have stitches and the area must remain covered for 1 week. After the stitches are removed, you will need to continue to keep the area covered for another 1-2 weeks. You will be able to re-pierce the ear at 6 weeks.

Schedule an Appointment

With offices conveniently located in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Steele Dermatology offers our patients repair surgery for torn earlobes. Schedule an appointment or give us a call at (770) 464-6000 for more information.

New Location Alert
Our former Buckhead office on Pharr Rd. has relocated to a stunning new facility at:
2716 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305
Make an Appointment
New Location Alert
Our former Buckhead office on Pharr Rd. has relocated to a stunning new facility at:
2716 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305
Make an Appointment