Earlobes can stretch, tear, or lose their shape over time due to injury, heavy earrings, or gauging. A wedge resection for earlobe repair is a straightforward way to restore the natural contour of the earlobe.Â
Patients seeking skilled earlobe repair turn to Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery in Lone Tree, Colorado, where board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams perform the procedure. Their expertise is trusted throughout Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and the Denver area.
What Is a Wedge Resection for Earlobe Repair?
A wedge resection is a surgical technique used to correct a full tear or deformity in the earlobe. During the procedure, the surgeon removes a small wedge-shaped portion of damaged tissue to create clean edges that can be sutured together.Â
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll remain awake and comfortable throughout the process (which usually takes less than an hour). Because only a small amount of tissue is removed, recovery is generally quick, and you can return to normal activities shortly after your procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Wedge Resection?
Wedge resection is often the preferred approach for individuals with significant earlobe tears or elongated piercings that will not close on their own. Ideal candidates may include those who have:
- A split or torn earlobe caused by trauma or pulled earrings
- A stretched piercing from years of wearing heavy jewelry
- Gauged earlobes that they want to return to a natural appearance
- Noticeable asymmetry between the earlobes
Healthy, nonsmoking patients with realistic expectations tend to see the best outcomes.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Earlobe repair with wedge resection is performed in our accredited surgical facility. After numbing the area with local anesthesia, your surgeon will carefully remove the damaged tissue and reshape the earlobe. Fine sutures are then used to close the incision and support proper healing.
The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to one hour, depending on whether one or both earlobes are being repaired. Patients can drive themselves home afterward and typically experience only mild soreness once the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain medication should be enough to help you feel more comfortable.
Benefits of Wedge Resection
Common benefits of earlobe repair using the wedge resection technique include:
- Balanced and symmetrical earlobes
- Correction of torn or stretched piercings
- The ability to wear earrings again after healing
- Improved confidence in hairstyles that expose the ears
In most cases, scarring is minimal and fades over time. Once healing is complete, the repaired area blends smoothly with the rest of the earlobe.
Why Choose Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery?
Wedge resections and other earlobe repairs at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery are performed exclusively by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams. Both trained at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and have years of experience restoring delicate ear structures.Â
Our Lone Tree facility is the first state-licensed, Joint Commission-accredited surgical center in Douglas County. Every detail—from private consultation rooms to our fully equipped operating suites—is designed for safety and comfort. Patients from Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and Denver appreciate the advanced surgical care and unhurried experience we provide.
FAQs About Wedge Resection
Most patients notice significant healing within two to three weeks. Full recovery, including fading of any redness or scar tissue, can take several months.
Yes. Once your earlobe has fully healed, typically after about three months, your surgeon can advise when and where it is safe to re-pierce.
The procedure itself is painless with local anesthesia. Some mild soreness or tenderness afterward is normal but temporary.
Schedule Your Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation
To learn whether a wedge resection is right for you, schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery by calling 303-706-1100. Our board-certified plastic surgeons proudly serve patients in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and throughout the Denver area.
