Ear lobe sewing is a cosmetic procedure to correct irregularities within the earlobe. It has a high rate patient satisfaction and low risk. 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. It is possible to correct partial recurrences in a small percentage of patients.
Pain after ear lobe stitching
The procedure does not cause much pain after the initial anesthetic wears off. To minimize discomfort, apply an ointment to your incision. The sutures can also be cleaned with hydrogen Peroxide or soapy warm water. But, it is important not to submerge your ears in water. After the procedure, you should be careful not to bend, lift, or strain your ears. Tylenol may also be prescribed to alleviate pain.
There are many reasons that your earlobe may need to be repaired. Damaged lobes can be due to injury, long-term earrings wear, or trauma. The procedure will improve the appearance of your earlobes. Your plastic surgeon will first inject local anesthesia. The doctor will then remove any damaged tissue and reattach the skin. After the procedure is finished, you can drive yourself home.
Recovery time
The recovery time for ear lobe stitching depends on the extent of the procedure, but most patients are able to return home the same day. Postoperative pain is usually mild and easily manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. For the first few days, swelling and some sensitivity may be experienced. After this, you will be able go back to work and other normal activities.
The entire procedure is done in the office and takes approximately one hour. Local anesthesia is used. The surgeon will determine the best procedure for you based on your needs. Excess hanging skin is removed from the ear lobe to make it look more normal. Large holes caused by gauges are closed with flaps or sutures. Stitches are used to restore the normal shape of split earlobes. Within a week, the stitches will fall off. Patients may then return to wearing their pierced ears.
Cost
Even though ear lobe repairs are cosmetic surgery, they are not covered by most medical 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 sutures can cost from $400 up to $1000, depending on the severity of the damage. The procedure takes about one hour in the office. The surgeon will remove any damaged skin and then reposition soft tissue before stitching the earlobe back together with small sutures. The scar will look almost like a pencil-thin after the procedure.
Side effects
Surgical repair of your ear lobe will usually result in minimal postoperative side effects. The procedure requires local painkillers and involves the removing of excess skin. The incisions will be closed by 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). The stitches are usually removed approximately one to two months after the procedure. It is important to follow the instructions for post-operative care.
Post-operative pain can be minimal and patients usually return to work or home in a matter of days. Some swelling and bruising may occur in the area that has been treated, but it will pass quickly. This side effect is common and patients usually recover in two to seven days. Patients are advised not to exercise vigorously for seven to ten consecutive days following the procedure. This will reduce the possibility of scarring and infection.