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Earlobe Repair

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Stretched, torn, or uneven earlobes can result from years of heavy earrings, accidental trauma, or prior piercings that no longer sit correctly. In some cases, earlobes may naturally thin and elongate with age. Earlobe repair addresses these concerns by restoring symmetry and structure to the area through precise surgical techniques.

At Robey Plastic Surgery in Carmel, IN, this procedure is approached with the same level of detail and precision used for more complex facial surgeries. Dr. Ashley Robey’s extensive training and experience in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures allows her to repair earlobes with refined, natural-looking outcomes. Her reputation as one of Indianapolis’ leading plastic surgeons is built on consistently thoughtful results across a wide range of aesthetic procedures.

What Is Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair is a minor surgical procedure that improves the shape, contour, and integrity of a damaged or stretched earlobe. This can be done in-office using local anesthesia, with minimal downtime required afterward. The technique used depends on the extent of the damage and the surrounding skin quality.

Type of Earlobe Damage That Can Be Treated

Earlobe repair can address a variety of structural concerns that affect symmetry, proportion, and overall appearance. The following types of damage can be surgically corrected:

  • Torn or split earlobes
  • Stretched piercing holes
  • Earlobes altered by gauges or plugs
  • Natural elongation with aging

Earlobe Repair Techniques

Dr. Robey selects from several techniques to match the extent of damage, the quality of remaining tissue, and each patient’s aesthetic goals.

Simple Laceration Repair

This form of earlobe repair surgery addresses straightforward tears or splits caused by an earring snag or sudden trauma. After administering local anesthesia, Dr. Robey freshens the wound edges, aligns the skin borders with microscopic accuracy, and closes the site with fine sutures that minimize visible scarring. Re-piercing is usually possible after complete healing, which averages six to eight weeks.

Full Earlobe Reconstruction

When gauges, plugs, or extensive tissue loss have distorted the lobe, surgical earlobe repair may require advanced reconstruction. Dr. Robey designs incisions to release tension, removes excess or thinned tissue, and recontours the lobe to re-establish roundness and proportion. The remaining skin is repositioned to recreate a natural rim.

Scar Revision

Previous injuries or poorly healed piercings can leave raised, indented, or wide scars on the earlobe surface. Revision involves excising the old scar, reorienting the skin edges, and closing them with sutures to distribute tension evenly. Post-operative care may involve special instructions to further soften the scar.

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Ideal Candidates for Earlobe Repair

The most suitable candidates for earlobe repair typically:

  • Are bothered by the appearance or asymmetry of their earlobes
  • Are in overall good health with no conditions that would impair healing
  • Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes and the healing process
  • Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery to support proper recovery

During your consultation, Dr. Robey will evaluate your concerns and determine whether earlobe repair is the most appropriate approach.

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Your Earlobe Repair Journey

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01 - Initial Consultation

Your first visit focuses on assessing the condition of your earlobes and understanding your goals for repair. Dr. Robey will examine the tissue, determine the extent of damage, and discuss which surgical technique offers the most natural-looking result. Medical history, lifestyle factors, and any prior procedures will also be reviewed. This appointment is the time to ask questions to understand the expected outcome and learn about recovery.

02 - Preparation

You may be asked to avoid certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding, such as aspirin or fish oil. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop in advance of the procedure to support your healing. Dr. Robey will provide instructions about eating, drinking, and skincare before your appointment. Although this is a minor surgery, following pre-procedure guidelines will give you a smooth experience and an optimal result.

03 - Day of Procedure

Earlobe repair is performed under local anesthesia in a comfortable outpatient setting. Once the area is numbed, Dr. Robey marks the earlobe and removes any damaged or stretched tissue. The edges are then carefully realigned and sutured with fine, layered stitches to restore a clean contour. The process usually takes less than an hour for most repairs. After the procedure, you’ll receive care instructions and can return home the same day.

04 - Recovery Timeline

  • Days 1–2: Mild soreness, swelling, and redness are expected. You’ll be able to resume light activity immediately, but it’s best to avoid touching or sleeping directly on the treated area.
  • Days 3–7: Swelling and discomfort typically decrease during this period. Sutures remain in place to support healing, and you’ll be asked to keep the area clean and apply any recommended ointment.
  • Week 1: By this point, the incision should be closed and healing well, though some residual swelling may persist.
  • Weeks 2–3: The incision begins to mature and fade. You can expect to see an improved contour and reduced inflammation.
  • Weeks 4–6: Most healing is complete, and the scar begins to soften. After this stage, it may be safe to consider re-piercing if discussed with Dr. Robey.
  • Six weeks and beyond: Final results become more visible, and the scar continues to fade over time. Protective care, including sun avoidance and scar gel use if advised, can help maintain the result.

If you have questions during the healing process or experience anything unexpected, Dr. Robey is available to guide you at every step.

Earlobe Repair Results

Immediately after the procedure, the earlobe will appear freshly sutured with some swelling and redness around the incision site. The final result will not be fully apparent until the tissue settles, but you will notice that the lobe already looks more proportionate, even in the early healing phase.

In the weeks that follow, the incision line begins to fade, and the swelling continues to resolve. By two to three months, the repaired earlobe takes on a smooth, natural contour that blends well with the surrounding tissue. Scarring is minimal and discreet due to the small size of the area and Dr. Robey’s careful suturing technique.

Results from earlobe repair are long-lasting. Once the tissue heals, the structural improvements remain stable, especially when the area is protected from further stretching or injury. Many patients can re-pierce the earlobe safely after full healing, if desired.

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Can I Combine Earlobe Repair With Other Procedures?

Earlobe repair is frequently performed on its own to address very specific concerns. However, it can also be combined with other aesthetic procedures for patients looking to improve multiple features during the same surgical plan.

Procedures that may be performed alongside earlobe repair include:

Surgical or non-surgical nose refinement

Rhinoplasty or injectable treatments can reshape or balance nasal contours.

FaceTite, AccuTite, or Morpheus8

These skin tightening treatments can be performed on the lower face and neck to improve firmness and skin tone.

Learn About FaceTite More About Morpheus8

Facelift, neck lift, or brow lift

These surgical procedures can be coordinated with earlobe repair when rejuvenating broader areas of the face, especially when addressing aging-related changes.

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Why Choose Dr. Robey for Earlobe Repair?

Dr. Ashley Robey brings a rare combination of technical training, surgical precision, and aesthetic judgment to every procedure she performs. With board certifications in plastic surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, otolaryngology, and anti-aging medicine, she offers a depth of knowledge that extends beyond traditional cosmetic training. Her background in chemical engineering adds another layer of precision to her surgical planning and execution.

Earlobe repair may seem like a minor procedure, but the delicate tissue and visible location require the level of care Dr. Robey consistently applies to more complex facial surgeries. Her work has been presented nationally and internationally, and her research is published in respected medical journals across several specialties.

Real
Results

I would recommend Dr. Robey and her team to anyone! I can’t thank them enough for making this process so smooth and comfortable. I traveled 8 hours just to see Dr. Robey and I am so thankful that I chose her as my surgeon. Alisha is so knowledgeable and kind. I can’t thank her enough for helping me with all of my initial questions! Beth went above and beyond to answer all of my financial and scheduling questions! Thank you Dr. Robey, Alisha and Beth for helping me feel beautiful and confident!

K.T.

Everything was great from beginning to end! The bedside manner of not just Dr Robey but her entire team. I got the results I wanted and am thrilled with my natural looking results. I would recommend her to anyone without any hesitation.

J.S.G.

Refine Your Look With Expert Earlobe Repair in Carmel, IN

Earlobe repair offers a precise solution for stretched, torn, or misshapen earlobes with lasting results. Whether the damage is recent or longstanding, surgical correction can restore structure and balance to this subtle but visible feature. To discuss your goals and explore your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ashley Robey today.

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NIPPED & TOXXED Podcast: Mic Check!

Real Talk on Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics & Regenerative Medicine

Ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes of plastic surgery and aesthetics? Dr. Ashley Robey is here to spill the tea! From the latest beauty treatments to the science of aging gracefully, she breaks it all down—no fluff, no filters, just real talk. Whether you’re thinking about a little enhancement, a major transformation, or just want to stay in the know, this is the podcast for you.

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Health & Wellness

As part of Robey Plastic Surgery & Regenerative Medicine, Live Better MD offers personalized anti-aging and regenerative medicine services—including hormone optimization, weight-management support, and wellness coaching—to help you feel youthful, energized, and balanced at every stage of life.

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Take the Next Step Toward Feeling Confident Again

Your body, your confidence, your choice. Let Dr. Robey and her team help you achieve the look you desire with compassionate, expert care. Schedule your personalized consultation today and discover how we can support your renewed confidence and beauty journey.

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