Earlobe repair

A tailored correction of torn, stretched or ageing earlobes, guided by Dr Afshin Yousefpour’s surgical precision and anatomical command.

Although it is a quick procedure under local anaesthesia, the earlobe is not just a piece of skin: it is a delicate fibro-fatty structure that frames the face and plays a key role in the balance of the features.

The protocol, step by step.

1. Step 1

   Consultation and analysis

   Assessment of blood supply, skin tone and the degree of deformity, and a personalised repair plan.

2. Step 2

   The procedure (30 to 45 minutes)

   Performed at the practice under local anaesthesia only, completely painless: millimetre-precise removal of old scar tissue or excess skin, layered repair with local flaps or a Z-plasty to avoid a notch at the free edge of the lobe, then a fine aesthetic suture, dissolvable or not as indicated.

3. Step 3

   Immediate recovery

   Back to work and social activities the same day, removal of non-dissolvable stitches between the 7th and 10th day, re-piercing possible after 2 to 3 months of full healing, away from the scar.

Why entrust your earlobes to a facial specialist?

A tension-free closure, respect for the natural curve, precise elimination of scar notches and anticipation of tissue contraction require rigorous skill. With his in-depth expertise in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr Afshin Yousefpour applies to every earlobe repair the same standards of rigour, symmetry and micro-precision as to the most complex facial operations.

Common indications

• Split or torn earlobes: complete or partial tear caused by sudden injury (an earring being pulled) or long-term wear of heavy jewellery.

• Stretched or gauged earlobes: after multiple piercings or tunnels (stretchers), requiring full volume and skin reconstruction.

• Ageing or drooping earlobes: loss of skin elasticity, thinning and lengthening of the lobe with age, giving a withered look.

• Congenital or post-traumatic asymmetry: correcting the proportions to restore overall aesthetic coherence.

Frequently asked questions

• Is the procedure painful? No. A targeted local anaesthetic is given first: you will feel no pain. Recovery is very simple, and a mild painkiller such as paracetamol is enough if there is discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off.

• Will the scar be visible? The aim is an almost imperceptible scar. Thanks to facial plastic surgery suturing techniques and small skin plasties, the scar is hidden in the natural folds of the lobe and fades gradually over the weeks.

• Can I have my ears pierced again? Yes. Dr Yousefpour recommends waiting for complete tissue healing (usually 8 to 12 weeks). The new hole should be placed slightly to the side of the original scar to keep the tissue strong.

• How long is the recovery? Recovery is immediate. A discreet dressing or simple silicone gel protects the area for a few days. Prolonged swimming (pool, sauna, sea) is best avoided for 2 weeks.

Medical information: nature and recovery

The procedure is a surgical repair of the earlobe to correct a tear, split, stretching or loss of skin, under local anaesthesia at the practice.

• Usual recovery: mild swelling, slight bruising and moderate local tenderness in the 48 to 72 hours after the procedure.

• Healing: a scar takes several months to mature. Although every aesthetic surgery technique is used to minimise its visibility, every incision leaves a permanent mark.

Possible risks and complications

Although rare with this superficial procedure, the risks inherent in any surgery exist:

• Haematoma or persistent bleeding requiring a pressure dressing.

• Local infection, prevented by strict sterile technique and treatable with local care or antibiotics.

• Hypertrophic or keloid scar, related to each patient’s own healing characteristics.

• Residual asymmetry or a small notch at the free edge of the lobe due to scar contraction.

• Delayed healing or early wound breakdown.

Post-operative instructions

• Keep the area clean and dry as instructed.

• Do not touch or pick at the crusts or stitches.

• Avoid immersion (bath, pool) and strenuous sport for 10 to 14 days.

• Do not re-pierce the ear without the surgeon’s explicit agreement at the check-up.

Informed consent

You receive an informed consent form before the procedure. By signing it, you confirm that Dr Afshin Yousefpour has clearly explained the procedure, the expected benefits, the alternatives and the possible risks, that you have been able to ask all your questions and have had enough time to reflect.