Lobuloplasty is a surgical procedure that involves the repair and reshaping of the earlobe. Often performed for aesthetic reasons or to correct damage caused by trauma, lobuloplasty is a straightforward surgery that can restore the natural appearance of the earlobe. At London ENT, our specialists provide advanced treatments for various ear-related conditions, including lobuloplasty, ensuring optimal results and minimal discomfort for our patients.

Why is Lobuloplasty Performed?

The earlobes are delicate structures that can easily become damaged or stretched over time due to various factors. The most common reasons for undergoing lobuloplasty include:

  • Torn or Split Earlobes:Torn earlobes often result from accidents, such as catching an earring on clothing, or from the earlobe being pulled too forcefully.
  • Stretched Earlobes:Wearing heavy earrings or gauges over long periods can cause the earlobes to become stretched or elongated, resulting in an altered appearance.
  • Keloid or Scar Tissue Removal:Some individuals may develop keloids or excessive scar tissue after a piercing or injury, which can be corrected through lobuloplasty.
  • Correction of Piercing Holes:Over time, earring holes can become enlarged or migrate, leading to an uneven appearance.
  • Cosmetic Reshaping:For those unhappy with the natural shape or size of their earlobes, lobuloplasty offers the opportunity to achieve a more balanced and symmetrical look.

Whether due to trauma, the natural ageing process, or the effects of wearing heavy jewellery, lobuloplasty can effectively address these concerns and restore a natural, aesthetically pleasing earlobe shape.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Lobuloplasty can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia, meaning the patient remains awake but experiences no pain, although a general anaesthetic is an alternative for people who do not want any awareness of the procedure and in more complex cases. The entire surgery typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and whether one or both earlobes are being treated.

Here’s what happens during a lobuloplasty procedure:

  1. Consultation and Planning:Before the procedure, a thorough consultation with your ENT specialist is necessary to discuss your expectations and desired outcomes. The specialist will assess the earlobes and recommend the best approach for achieving optimal results.
  2. Anaesthesia:Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the earlobe, ensuring you feel no pain during the surgery. The numbing process usually takes a few minutes to become effective.
  3. Incision and Reshaping:The surgeon will make a small incision to remove any scar tissue, damaged areas, or excess skin. The earlobe is then reshaped by carefully suturing the tissues together, creating a natural, rounded appearance.
  4. Closing the Incision:Once the desired shape is achieved, the incision is closed using fine sutures. Depending on the extent of the procedure, absorbable or non-absorbable sutures may be used.
  5. Post-Procedure Care:After the surgery, a dressing may be applied to protect the earlobe. Patients can usually return home shortly after the procedure and resume most normal activities within a day.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from lobuloplasty is typically straightforward. Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising around the treated area is normal but usually subsides within a few days. Here are some aftercare tips to ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Keep the Area Clean:Gently clean the area with a saline solution or as advised by your surgeon to prevent infection.
  • Avoid Sleeping on the Treated Ear:Try to sleep on your back or on the opposite side of the treated ear(s) for the first few nights.
  • Avoid Touching or Pulling on the Earlobes:This helps prevent any disruption to the healing tissues.
  • Follow-Up Appointments:Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal results.

In most cases, the sutures used are dissolvable meaning that they will gradually disappear by themselves, usually over a 2-4 week period. The earlobe should heal completely within 4 to 6 weeks, and most scarring will gradually be expected to fade over time.

Potential Risks and Complications

Lobuloplasty is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any surgical intervention, it does carry some risks. Potential complications include:

  • Infection:Though rare, infections can occur if the wound is not properly cared for during the healing process.
  • Haematoma:This is a collection of blood beneath the skin which may need to be drained with a small procedure.
  • Scarring:While the procedure aims to minimise visible scarring, some patients may develop mild scars at the incision site, or in rare instances, a hypertrophic or keloid type overgrown scar can occur.
  • Asymmetry:There may be slight differences in the size or shape of the earlobes post-surgery, which can usually be corrected with minor revisions if necessary.
  • Allergic Reactions:Reactions to local anaesthesia or suturing materials are uncommon but possible.

Your ENT specialist will discuss these risks with you during your consultation and provide guidance on how to minimise the chances of complications.

When to Consider Lobuloplasty

If you have experienced trauma to your earlobe, are unhappy with its appearance due to stretching or piercing holes, or wish to remove scar tissue, lobuloplasty may be the right solution for you. Consulting with a qualified ENT specialist will help you determine if this procedure is suitable based on your medical history and aesthetic goals.

Lobuloplasty FAQs

Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: The initial results of lobuloplasty are visible immediately after the procedure. However, the final appearance will become clearer once the swelling subsides and the earlobe has fully healed, typically within 4 to 6 weeks.

Q: Will I be able to re-pierce my ears after lobuloplasty?
A: Yes, you can re-pierce your ears once the earlobe has fully healed. It’s recommended to wait at least 3-4 months before re-piercing to allow the tissue to strengthen and minimise the risk of complications.

Q: Is lobuloplasty painful?
A: The procedure itself is painless due to the use of local anaesthesia. Mild discomfort may be experienced during recovery, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Q: Are the results permanent?
A: Yes, lobuloplasty results are generally permanent. However, exposure to further trauma or wearing heavy earrings again can cause the earlobe to stretch or tear.

Q: How much does lobuloplasty cost?
A: The cost of lobuloplasty varies depending on the extent of the procedure and whether one or both earlobes are being treated. It’s best to consult with your specialist for a detailed cost breakdown.

Contact

Lobuloplasty is an effective solution for repairing and reshaping damaged or stretched earlobes. At London ENT, our experienced team of specialists is committed to providing personalised care to achieve natural, aesthetically pleasing results. Whether you need to repair torn earlobes or are looking for cosmetic enhancement, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact London ENT today at 0203 865 7225.