Gauge Earlobe Repair

Ear gauges slowly expand the earlobe over time, stretching the tissue so there is a hole in the middle of the earlobe when the gauge is removed. Unlike a standard ear piercing, these holes do not close on their own. Surgery is required to return the earlobe to its original shape.

Specializing in plastic surgery from the collarbone up, Dr. Charles Guy at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas offers innovative ear rejuvenation services. Serving patients throughout central Texas, Dr. Guy provides earlobe repair surgery for patients whose ears have been stretched from wearing gauges. Learn more about how minimally invasive earlobe gauge repair works.

Ear gauging, also known as ear stretching, is the process of gradually expanding a piercing in the ear lobe over time. Gauges are thicker than standard earring posts and are also known as:

• Tunnels
• Caps
• Cogs
• Plugs

These ear gauges vary in width, from the diameter of a drinking straw to as big as a quarter. Once the earlobe skin has been stretched out, it usually will not repair itself and go back to its normal size. Thus, it is becoming common for people to seek out reconstructive surgery. With a surgical procedure, Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas often can restore the shape of the ear to reduce the damage caused by ear gauging. In some cases, the damage looks completely invisible afterward.

When repairing an earlobe, the gauges will need to be out for two weeks before surgery. Gauge earlobe repair is performed as an in-office procedure. First, the medical team will numb the earlobe and surrounding area with an injection of local anesthesia. Next, the surgeon will remove some of the tissue from the inner lining of the earlobe hole. He will then suture the earlobe back together to help restore its natural shape. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour.

This is generally not a painful procedure and does not require any type of prescription pain medication during recovery. You may need to use antibiotic ointment at the surgical site to lower the risk of infection. Stitches can be removed in the office a week after the surgery. There will be some mild swelling in the earlobe that typically resolves within two weeks.

You can resume most normal activities right away after earlobe repair. However, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for a couple of weeks. Our medical team is available to answer any questions you have about restricted activities during recovery.

Patients who wish to re-pierce their ears will need to wait at least six to eight weeks after earlobe repair surgery. The ear piercing should not be pierced directly over the incision site.

Often, patients will enjoy wearing ear gauges when they are younger but want to restore the normal shape of their earlobes as they age. They may feel that ear gauges are not appropriate for the industry they work in, or they may simply no longer like the aesthetic.

Gauge earlobe repair is a minimally invasive form of ear plastic surgery and does not require downtime afterward. Most patients can return to work or school the following day after their procedure.

When it comes to plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, you should always work with an experienced, licensed medical professional. Dr. Guy, DO FAOCO, completed medical school at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and is board certified in both facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology.

Committed to patient education, Dr. Guy takes the time to walk patients through all their options and explain procedures to help them feel comfortable. Dr. Guy is supported by a team of registered nurses and medical office staff who help ensure a positive, patient-centered experience.

If you no longer like the look of your stretched earlobes, the team at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas is here to help. You do not have to travel to Austin or Dallas for advanced cosmetic surgery. Located in Waco, TX, we serve patients throughout central Texas. In addition to earlobe gauge repair, other ear rejuvenation services include:

• Torn earlobe repair
• Otoplasty (ear pinning)

With a wide range of cosmetic procedures, Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas can help you feel more confident in your appearance. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today