Torn earlobes
An earring that is pulled or caught can partially or completely split the lobe. Repair reshapes the edges before suturing them together.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · Minor Surgery
Earlobe Repair in Malta
Earlobe Repair is a minor surgical procedure used to close torn, stretched or enlarged earring holes and reshape damaged earlobes. The repair is planned around the type of tear, the amount of stretched tissue and whether future re-piercing is desired.
Torn lobesStretched holesGauged lobesLocal anaesthesiaRe-piercing planning
What Earlobe Repair treats
Different earlobe injuries need different repairs.
The common thread is damaged or stretched tissue, but a fresh partial tear, an old split lobe and a large gauged lobe are not the same operation.
Enlarged piercing holes
Heavy earrings and gradual skin stretching can enlarge the hole until jewellery no longer sits securely.
Stretched lobes
Intentional gauges may leave a larger defect that does not shrink back. More extensive reshaping may be required than for a simple earring tear.
Assessment & planning
The surgeon plans the repair around the defect and your future jewellery goals.
The consultation looks at the size and shape of the defect, scar tissue, skin quality, symmetry and whether the patient plans to re-pierce the ear later.
Partial versus complete tears
A partial tear may leave an elongated slit that is still connected at the bottom. A complete tear divides the lobe into separate edges. The incision design depends on the exact shape of the defect.
Heavy earrings and recurrent stretching
If the repaired lobe is repeatedly loaded with heavy earrings, it can stretch again. After healing, jewellery choice matters for protecting the repair.
Re-piercing
The live page advises waiting around 2–3 months before re-piercing and placing the new piercing away from the repair line as advised by the surgeon.
Scars
A small scar is expected because the skin is surgically repaired. The scar usually becomes less noticeable over time, but it does not disappear completely.
Procedure & recovery
A small procedure still needs careful wound care.
The live page describes Earlobe Repair as usually taking around 30–60 minutes per earlobe under local anaesthesia.
Treatment day
Local anaesthesia is used. Damaged skin is removed or freshened, the lobe is reshaped and the edges are carefully sutured.
Days 1–2
Mild swelling or redness may occur. The area should be kept clean and protected from traction.
Around 1 week
The live guidance states that non-dissolvable sutures, if used, are commonly removed around this point.
4–6 weeks
The repair gains strength as healing progresses and the scar starts to mature.
2–3 months
The live page advises that re-piercing can be considered after full healing, following the surgeon's advice.
Results & limitations
The aim is a natural lobe contour that is strong enough to heal well.
Results depend on the size of the original defect, the amount of stretched tissue and scar formation. The repaired area should look more normal and symmetrical as swelling reduces.
Shape
The lobe is reshaped to close the tear or enlarged opening and restore a more normal contour.
Scar
A repair line remains but usually becomes less noticeable as it matures.
Future piercing
Re-piercing is usually possible after healing, but it should not be placed directly through the repair line.
Current pricing
Earlobe Repair prices
The live page currently lists the consultation fee and keeps the procedure price on request.
Consultation€50
One EarlobePrice on request
Both EarlobesPrice on request
Practitioner
Meet the team involved in your care.
Your consultation is where the procedure, expected recovery, limitations and individual suitability are discussed before a decision is made.
Surgeon
Dr Alexey Vinokur
Plastic SurgeryDr Alexey Vinokur is the surgeon currently listed for Earlobe Repair.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Earlobe Repair.
These answers are general guidance. Your consultation is where we assess your anatomy, medical history, expectations and the procedure-specific risks that matter in your case.
01 Is Earlobe Repair painful?
Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area. Mild discomfort may occur afterwards as the repair heals.
02 How long does it take?
The live guidance describes around 30–60 minutes per earlobe.
03 When are stitches removed?
If non-dissolvable sutures are used, the live page describes removal at around one week.
04 Will there be a scar?
Yes. A small scar is expected after surgical repair, but it usually becomes less noticeable with time.
05 When can I re-pierce?
The live guidance advises around 2–3 months, with the new piercing placed away from the repair line as advised by the surgeon.
06 Can gauged lobes be repaired?
Yes, although larger gauged lobes may require a more extensive reconstruction than a simple torn-lobe repair.