Ear lobe sewing is a cosmetic procedure to correct irregularities within the earlobe. It is a safe procedure with high patient satisfaction. Although bleeding and swelling can occasionally occur, these problems usually resolve within one week. Although infection rates are very low, scarring can heal well. It may take additional treatment to treat thicker scars. A small percentage will experience partial or complete recurrences but they are easily corrected.
Pain after ear lobe stitching
After the anesthetic wears off, there is no pain. To minimize discomfort, you can apply an ointment over the incision. The sutures can also be cleaned with hydrogen Peroxide or soapy warm water. Your ear should not be submerged. After the procedure, you should be careful not to bend, lift, or strain your ears. Tylenol is also available to ease pain.
There are many reasons that your earlobe may need to be repaired. A damaged lobe may be the result of a trauma or long-term wear of heavy earrings. The procedure will improve the appearance of your earlobes. To begin, your plastic surgeon will inject a local anesthesia into the area. The doctor will then trim the affected tissue and stitch it back together. You will be able drive home once the procedure has been completed.
Recovery time
The length of recovery for ear lobe stitches depends on how extensive the procedure was, but most patients return home within the same day. The postoperative pain is generally mild and can be managed with the use of an over-the counter pain medication. Swelling and some sensitivity will be present for the first few days. 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. Based on the patient's requirements, the surgeon will decide the procedure. To make the ear look more normal, excess skin is removed from around the earlobe. The flaps and sutures are used to close large holes that have been caused by gauges. Stitches are used to restore the normal shape of split earlobes. They will disappear within one week. Patients may then be allowed to continue wearing their pierced ears.
Cost
Even though ear lobe repairs are cosmetic surgery, they are not covered by most medical insurance. It can cost less than one might expect, depending on the extent and type of the procedure. Patients are responsible for paying the facility and anesthesia fees in addition to the surgeon's fees.
Ear lobe stitches can cost anywhere from $400 to $1000 depending on the extent of the damage. This is usually an easy office procedure that takes around one hour. The surgeon will first remove any skin damage and then reposition the soft tissue. Finally, small stitches will be used to bind the earlobe. The scar will look almost like a pencil-thin after the procedure.
Side effects
Most side effects from a surgical repair of the earlobe are minimal. The procedure requires local painkillers and involves the removing of excess skin. Sutures are used to close incisions. The entire procedure takes less than an hour. You may feel some minor discomfort or soreness after the procedure. These symptoms can usually be managed with Tylenol, over-the–counter pain relievers, and are generally not serious. The stitches are removed one to two weeks after the repair. Follow the instructions for post-operative care.
Post-operative pain is typically minimal, and most patients are able to return to work or home within a day or two. The treated area may experience some swelling and bruising, but this is temporary. Pain medication is often prescribed for this side effect, and most patients recover within two to seven days. After the procedure, patients should limit their activities and avoid vigorous exercise for at least seven to 10 days to minimize the chance of infection and scarring.