Large gauges, heavy earrings, or injuries can leave the earlobes stretched in ways that don’t always heal on their own. Stretched earlobe repair is a procedure offered at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics to close and reshape the tissue.Â
Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams perform this treatment for men and women from Highlands Ranch, Denver, and surrounding areas who want a permanent solution.
The Basics of Earlobe Repair
Stretched earlobe repair, sometimes called gauge reversal surgery, is a simple procedure that can restore the natural shape of your ears. You might be considering it because you’ve retired your gauges, no longer want a large opening, or your lobes were stretched or torn by earrings or an injury.Â
This surgery brings your earlobes back to a natural shape to help you feel more confident in how you look.
How Gauge Reversal Surgery Works
Gauge reversal surgery is usually done in the office with local anesthesia, so you stay awake but relaxed throughout the procedure. Your surgeon removes the stretched tissue, reshapes the earlobe, and then closes the opening with fine sutures to hold the new contour in place.
The approach depends on the extent of stretching that has occurred. Smaller openings may be a quick fix, while larger gauges require more reshaping to restore balance between the two ears. In most cases, the surgery takes under an hour, though the exact time varies from patient to patient.
Recovery After Earlobe Repair
Healing after earlobe repair usually moves along quickly. You may notice mild swelling or soreness for a few days, but most people can return to their normal routines right away. Stitches are removed in about a week or two, unless we use dissolvable sutures.
Any scarring is typically minimal and blends into the natural crease of the ear as it heals. If you plan to re-pierce your ears, it’s best to wait several months to give the tissue time to fully recover.
Who Is a Candidate for Gauge Reversal Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for earlobe repair if your lobes have been stretched by gauges, heavy earrings, or injury. The procedure works well for healthy adults of almost any age who do not have active ear infections.Â
During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your ears, discuss your goals, and outline the best treatment plan for your situation.
Why Choose Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics?
Earlobe repair may seem like a small procedure, but it takes a steady hand and an eye for detail to get results that look natural. At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics, you’ll be treated by Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams, both board-certified plastic surgeons with advanced training from The Johns Hopkins Hospital. They’ve built a reputation in Colorado not only for complex breast and reconstructive surgeries, but also for handling delicate cosmetic procedures.
Our surgical center was the first in Douglas County to earn Joint Commission accreditation, which means our patients are cared for in a setting that meets strict hospital-level safety standards. What sets us apart, though, is how we care for you as a person. We understand that stretched earlobes can feel embarrassing to talk about. That’s why our team takes the time to listen, explain your options, and make sure you feel comfortable from your complimentary cosmetic consultation to your recovery.
FAQs
Most procedures take under an hour, depending on the size of the stretched opening.
Yes, we typically use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure, allowing you to go home afterward.
Yes, most patients can re-pierce their ears several months after surgery once healing is complete.
Scars are usually very small and fade into the natural crease of the lobe over time.
The results are permanent, though you should be careful with the repaired ear to avoid trauma in the future.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are ready to repair your earlobes after they’ve been stretched with gauges, Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics can help. Call 303-706-1100 to schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation. Our practice is located in Lone Tree, and we proudly serve patients from Highlands Ranch, Denver, and throughout Colorado.
