Ear lobe stitching is a cosmetic surgery to correct irregularities in the earlobe. It is a safe procedure with high patient satisfaction. Although minor complications such as bleeding or swelling may occur, they usually disappear within a week. Scarring is usually well healed and the rate of infection is low. However, thicker scarring may require additional treatment. A small percentage will experience partial or complete recurrences but they are easily corrected.
After earlobe stitching, there is pain
The pain is not as severe after the anesthetic has worn off. To minimize discomfort, you can apply an ointment over the incision. The sutures can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, soapy water, or a combination of both. You should not immerse your ear in water. It is important to restrain your movements after the procedure. Tylenol can be taken to relieve pain.
You may need your ear lobes repaired for many reasons. The damage to the lobe could be caused by trauma or from long-term wearing of heavy earrings. The procedure will restore your earlobes' appearance. The local anesthesia will be injected by your plastic surgeon. The doctor will then remove damaged tissue and attach the skin. Once the procedure is over, you'll be able to drive back home.
Recovery time
The extent of the procedure will determine the recovery time, but most patients can return to work the next day. Postoperative pain can usually be controlled with over-the–counter pain medication. For the first few days, swelling and some sensitivity may be experienced. After that, you will be able to return to work and normal activities.
The entire procedure takes about an hour. It is performed in your office. Local anesthesia is used. The surgeon will determine the exact procedure based on the patient's needs. To make the ear lobe look normal, excess hanging skin is removed. Large holes caused by gauges are closed with flaps or sutures. Split earlobes are brought together with stitches to restore their normal shape. The stitches will disintegrate in a matter of days. Patients may then return to wearing their pierced ears.
Prices
Opinions about ear lobe surgery are considered cosmetic, but it is not usually covered by insurance. It might still be cheaper than one thinks, depending on the extent of the damage and the type or procedure. Patients are required to pay anesthesia and facility costs, in addition the surgeon's fee.
Ear lobe sutures can cost from $400 up to $1000, depending on the severity of the damage. The procedure is typically performed in an office setting and takes approximately one hour. After removing any broken skin, the surgeon will reposition soft tissue and then stitch the earlobe together using small sutures. The scarring will be as thin as a pencil after the procedure.
Side effects
Most side effects from a surgical repair of the earlobe are minimal. The procedure requires local anesthetic. It also involves the removal and re-shaping of skin. The incisions are closed with sutures. The procedure can take less than an hour. Although minor discomfort and soreness can occur following the procedure, these symptoms are typically mild and can usually be treated with Tylenol (or other over-the counter pain relievers). After the procedure, the stitches will be removed within one to two weeks. Follow the instructions for after-operative care.
The majority of patients return to work within a few days. There may be some swelling and bruising in the treated area, but this will be temporary. Pain medication is often prescribed for this side effect, and most patients recover within two to seven days. To minimize scarring and infection, patients are advised to limit activity and refrain from strenuous exercise for seven to 10 days.