Ear lobe stitching is a cosmetic surgery to correct irregularities in the earlobe. It is a safe procedure with high patient satisfaction. Minor complications like bleeding or swelling can happen, but these are usually resolved within one week. Although infection rates are very low, scarring can heal well. It may take additional treatment to treat thicker scars. However, a small number of patients may experience partial recurrences that can be easily treated.
Pain following ear lobe stitches
The procedure does not cause much pain after the initial anesthetic wears off. To reduce discomfort, it is possible to apply an ointment directly to the incision. You can clean the sutures using hydrogen peroxide and soapy water. However, you should not submerge your ear. After the procedure, it is important to limit the amount of bending, lifting, and straining. You can also take Tylenol to treat any pain.
There are many reasons that your earlobe may need to be repaired. An injury or prolonged wear of heavy earrings could cause a damaged lobe. The procedure will restore your earlobes' appearance. Your surgeon will administer local anesthesia to the area. The doctor will then remove damaged tissue and attach the skin. Once the procedure is over, you'll be able to drive back home.
Recovery time
The extent of the procedure will determine the recovery time, but most patients can return to work the next 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 takes about an hour. It is performed in your office. Local anesthesia can 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. You can close large holes made by gauges with flaps, or sutures. Split earlobes are brought together with stitches to restore their normal shape. The stitches will disintegrate in a matter of days. The patient may then be able to wear their pierced ears again.
Prices
A ear lobe reshaping is cosmetic surgery. However, it is usually not covered by any medical insurance. It might cost less than people think depending on what kind of procedure is performed and how much damage was done. Patients are responsible for paying the facility and anesthesia fees in addition to the surgeon's fees.
The cost of ear lobe stitching can range from $400 to $1000 per ear, depending on the level of damage. The procedure takes about one hour in the office. 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 appear as a thin pencil mark after the procedure.
Side effects
Surgical repair of your ear lobe will usually result in minimal postoperative side effects. The procedure requires local anesthetic. It also involves the removal and re-shaping of 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). After the procedure, the stitches will be removed within one to two weeks. Follow the instructions on post-operative care.
Post-operative pain can be minimal and patients usually return to work or home in a matter of days. 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. Patients should restrain from vigorous exercise and limit their activity for seven to ten days after the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.