Most people are quick to notice signs of aging in their face, such as sagging skin or wrinkles, and quickly address them to retain a youthful look. However, there are more subtle, yet common, effects of growing older that give away your age. One of these is sagging, elongated earlobes.

Because the earlobes are composed of soft, pliable tissue, they are particularly susceptible to the effects of gravity over time. This is especially true for those who tend to wear heavy earrings, which gradually pull down and stretch the earlobes, eventually resulting in an elongated shape. In some cases, large and heavy earrings can even tear through the earlobe entirely, which can only be repaired surgically.

Thankfully, plastic surgeons have developed a relatively simple procedure to restore the shape and size of the earlobe.

What is an Earlobe Lift?

An earlobe lift is a simple surgical procedure that repairs and reshapes elongated or damaged earlobes. The procedure has been gaining popularity in recent years, and Dr. Berman offers this simple surgery to his Boca Raton patients.

Who Chooses the Procedure?

The most common earlobe lift patients are between the ages of 55 and 70, as this is the age range during which the signs of aging can be seen in the ears. However, some younger patients also choose to have an earlobe lift if they have been damaged by heavy or large earrings at any age. Finally, the procedure may also be performed to return stretched earlobe piercings to their original size.

Customizing the Earlobe Lift

Some people may wish to address multiple signs of aging, such as loose skin in the face and neck, at the same time as their earlobe lift. Dr. Berman can combine procedures such as a facelift with the earlobe lift to refresh the appearance entirely. Other non-surgical options also include dermal fillers, such as Restylane, or Botox.

How are Earlobe Lifts Performed?

The earlobe lift procedure is quite simple. Typically performed under local anesthetic, Dr. Berman will remove a small, wedge-shaped amount of tissue from the earlobe. The earlobe will then be stitched together in a smaller, more desirable shape.

In addition, dermal fillers are often used to restore volume loss in the earlobe. These injections paired with the surgical reshaping can successfully recreate the youthful shape. In addition, the plumper earlobe will be more resilient to the weight of earrings after the ears have healed. 

Many patients have concerns about losing the piercings in their ears through earlobe lift surgery. Typically, it is not possible to retain the ear-piercing through ear lift surgery. However, most patients can have their ears re-pierced about six weeks after the surgery has been completed. Dr. Berman will advise you on when you can undergo a new ear piercing from a trustworthy professional.  

What to Expect from Recovery

Because earlobe lifts are performed under local anesthetic, patients can return to work or other normal activities immediately after their procedure if they choose. Most patients experience some minor swelling, bruising, or numbness following their earlobe lift procedure. These side effects typically only last a few days and require no more than over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen. For the fastest healing, it’s best if patients avoid strenuous activity for the first week or two after their procedures. During the first week, it’s important to keep the area clean and apply antibiotic ointment to the area as directed.

Dr. Berman will typically use dissolvable sutures, but if this is not the case, a follow-up appointment to remove the sutures will be scheduled about a week after the procedure. At this time, the healing progress will be assessed, and Dr. Berman will give the patient further instructions to avoid scarring and ensure proper healing.

Consultations in Boca Raton

To learn more about earlobe lift surgery and to get started with your procedure plan, contact Berman Plastic Surgery & Spa today. Schedule your consultation online or call our Boca Raton office at (561) 235-3208.

Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

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