Ear lobe stitching is a cosmetic surgery to correct irregularities in the earlobe. There is minimal risk and high satisfaction. While minor complications can occur, such as bleeding and swelling, these usually go away within a week. Scarring usually heals quickly and is not likely to cause infection. A small percentage will experience partial or complete recurrences but they are easily corrected.
After ear lobe stitching, pain
After the first anesthetic wears out, there is little pain. To minimize discomfort, apply an ointment to your incision. The sutures can also be cleaned with hydrogen Peroxide or soapy warm water. Your ear should not be submerged. It is important to restrain your movements after the procedure. Tylenol can also be used to manage pain.
You may need your ear lobes repaired for many reasons. An injury or prolonged wear of heavy earrings could cause a damaged lobe. Either way, your earlobe will look better. Your plastic surgeon will first inject local anesthesia. The doctor will then trim the affected tissue and stitch it back together. After the procedure is completed, you can drive home.
Recovery time
The time taken to recover from ear lobe surgery depends on the extent of your procedure. However, most patients can return home that same day. Postoperative pain is usually mild and easily manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. The first few days will bring some swelling and sensitivity. After that, you will be able to return to work and normal activities.
The entire procedure can be done in one hour. Local anesthesia will be used. The surgeon will determine the exact procedure based on the patient's needs. To make the ears look more normal, excess hanging skin will be removed from the earlobe. With flaps or stitches, large holes due to gauges can be closed. Split earlobes are brought together with stitches to restore their normal shape. They will disappear within one week. Patients may then return to wearing their pierced ears.
Cost
Opinions about ear lobe surgery are considered cosmetic, but it is not usually covered by insurance. It may still cost less than you think depending on how severe the damage is and what type of procedure was performed. In addition to the surgeon's fee, patients must also pay the facility and anesthesia costs.
Ear lobe surgery can cost between $400 and $1000 per ear depending on the degree of damage. The procedure takes about one hour in the office. After removing any broken skin, the surgeon will reposition soft tissue and then stitch the earlobe together using small sutures. The scar will be thin and pencil-thin following the procedure.
Side effects
Most side effects from a surgical repair of the earlobe are minimal. This procedure involves the use of local anesthetics and the removal excess skin. The incisions will be closed by sutures. The procedure usually takes no more than one hour. Some minor discomfort and soreness might occur following the procedure. However, these symptoms are usually mild and can often be treated with Tylenol as well as over-the–counter pain medications. The stitches are typically removed two to three weeks after repair. It is important to follow the instructions for post-operative care.
The post-operative pain is generally minimal. Most patients can return to work and home within a couple of days. Although there may be some swelling or bruising around the treated area, this is temporary. Patients often receive pain medication for this side effect. Most patients heal within two to seven day. Patients are advised to rest and not exercise for seven to ten to 10 days following surgery to reduce scarring and infection.