Earlobe Repair in Brazil: restoring torn or stretched earlobes
If you are reading this page, you are probably dealing with a torn earlobe from an earring that was pulled, or with that hole that has been stretching over the years due to the weight of heavy earrings. Perhaps you used stretchers in your teenage years and now wish to reverse the modification. Whatever the cause, I want you to know: earlobe repair (lobuloplasty) is one of the most rewarding surgeries I perform.
In my practice, I perform earlobe repair only during a facelift, when correcting the lobes is part of the surgical plan. I do not offer it as a standalone office procedure.
Over more than twenty years of practice as a plastic surgeon in Brazil and more than eight thousand procedures performed, I have developed a special sensitivity for these surgeries that, although smaller in scale, require millimetric precision. International patients seeking cosmetic surgery abroad can discuss earlobe repair as part of their facelift plan during their visit to Brazil. After all, we are talking about a structure where every millimetre makes a difference in the final aesthetic result.
What is lobuloplasty?
Lobuloplasty is the plastic surgery for repairing the earlobe. It corrects partial or complete fissures (totally divided lobe), excessively stretched holes from heavy earrings or stretchers, and congenital or traumatic deformities of the lobe. The procedure reconstructs the natural anatomy of the lobe, restoring its rounded and symmetrical shape.
It is important to differentiate lobuloplasty from otoplasty, which corrects prominent ears. Lobuloplasty exclusively treats the lobe, while otoplasty remodels the cartilage of the ear as a whole. In my practice, earlobe repair is performed only during a facelift.
Most common causes of damaged lobes
Throughout my career, I have identified four main reasons patients present with damaged lobes. Understanding the cause is essential for planning the best repair technique.
Heavy earrings worn for many years
This is the most common scenario. The earring hole, which initially was a small orifice, gradually elongates over decades. Large hoop earrings, earrings with heavy stones, and bulky jewellery exert constant traction on the lobe tissue. Over time, the lobe loses elasticity — especially after the age of forty, when collagen production decreases — and the hole transforms into an elongated fissure. In some cases, the earring even escapes through the bottom of the lobe.
Trauma from pulling
Accidents where the earring is pulled sharply — by a child, during sports, when putting on a top, or getting caught on something — can tear the lobe partially or completely. This type of injury is more visually dramatic, but paradoxically can be simpler to correct, as the edges of the tear are usually regular and fresh.
Use of stretchers
Stretchers (or plugs) that progressively expand the lobe hole can create openings several centimetres in diameter. When the patient decides to reverse the modification, lobuloplasty is the only way. In these cases, the repair is more complex, as there is significant tissue loss and the lobe needs to be reconstructed practically from scratch.
Keloids and previous scars
Some people develop keloids (excessive scars) at the earring holes, creating hard and aesthetically undesirable nodules. Lobuloplasty can remove these keloids and reconstruct the lobe, although in these cases special care is needed in the postoperative period to avoid recurrence.
Who is a candidate for lobuloplasty?
Lobuloplasty is recommended for men and women of any age who present one or more of the following conditions:
- Completely torn lobe (a fissure that goes from the hole to the lower edge).
- Excessively enlarged earring hole, making it unsafe to wear earrings.
- Deformed lobe from stretchers that the patient wishes to reverse.
- Keloids on the lobe that need to be removed and the lobe reconstructed.
- Asymmetry between the lobes caused by trauma or irregular earring use.
- Age-related elongated lobes, which have become pendulous and disproportionate.
There are few contraindications. Patients with diseases that compromise healing (decompensated diabetes, for example), active infections at the site, or unrealistic expectations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. During the consultation, I examine each situation individually and explain exactly what I can and cannot achieve.
Lobuloplasty combined with other facial procedures
In my practice, I perform earlobe repair only during a facelift, when correcting the lobes is part of the surgical plan. I do not offer it as a standalone office procedure.
Procedures such as facial fillers with hyaluronic acid can also be useful for lobes that have lost volume with age, but do not replace lobuloplasty when there is tearing or structural deformity. In cases of volume loss without tearing, fat grafting is another option that offers a more lasting result.
Surgical techniques I use in lobuloplasty
There is no single technique that works for all cases. The choice of technique depends on the type of injury, the amount of available tissue, and the desired outcome. Over two decades, I have mastered various approaches that allow me to offer the best solution for each specific situation.
Direct excision technique (for complete tears)
When the lobe is completely divided, the most commonly used technique involves removing the skin that has healed along the edges of the tear, creating raw (living) surfaces that will be sutured together. It is like turning an old scar into a fresh wound so that it heals properly.
I make the incisions with millimetric precision, removing the minimum amount of tissue necessary to preserve the natural size of the lobe. The closure is done in two layers: internal absorbable sutures for strength, and external fine nylon sutures to ensure the best aesthetic appearance of the scar.
Z or L flap technique (to avoid notching)
An important concern in lobuloplasty is to avoid notching at the lower edge of the lobe. When closing a tear in a straight line, the scar can contract during healing and create a visible indentation on the edge of the lobe. To avoid this, I use local flaps in the shape of a Z or L that redistribute the tension of the scar and preserve the natural rounded contour.
This technique is especially important in tears that extend to the edge of the lobe. The small triangular flap I create during surgery acts like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly, eliminating any risk of deformity in the contour.
Technique for very enlarged holes (without complete tearing)
When the earring hole is very enlarged but the lobe has not completely torn, I use a different approach. I remove the excess skin around the hole, transforming the oval and elongated orifice into edges that can be sutured precisely. The result is an intact lobe, ready to be pierced again after complete healing.
Reconstruction for former stretcher users
This is the most challenging scenario. When large diameter stretchers have expanded the hole for months or years, there is real tissue loss and thinning of the remaining lobe. Reconstruction involves more elaborate flaps, possibly reducing the size of the lobe, but restoring a natural and symmetrical appearance. In extreme cases, a second surgical procedure may be necessary for refinement.
How the procedure works step by step
Consultation and planning
During the consultation, I examine your lobes in detail, assess the type and extent of the injury, the quality of the available tissue, and your healing capacity. I photograph the lobes from multiple angles for documentation and surgical planning. We discuss your expectations: do you want to wear earrings again? Do you prefer not to pierce again? This directly influences the technique I will choose.
Anaesthesia during the facelift
Earlobe correction takes place during the facelift, under the same general anaesthesia. It is not a separate appointment under local anaesthesia in the office.
The surgery itself
With the lobe anaesthetised, I make the planned incisions with a scalpel, remove the scar tissue from the edges of the tear, and suture in layers. Each suture is placed with extreme care — remember, we are working on a structure of just a few centimetres where every detail is visible. I use fine sutures (nylon 5-0 or 6-0) to minimise the marks.
Dressing and instructions
At the end, I apply a light dressing with micropore. You receive a prescription for a simple analgesic (the pain is minimal) and a topical antibiotic. The instructions are simple: do not sleep on the treated ear in the first few days, avoid trauma to the area, and return for a follow-up as scheduled.
Recovery and post-operative care for lobuloplasty
Because I perform earlobe repair during a facelift, your return to work and other activities follows the facelift recovery plan and your individual progress. A next-day return should not be planned on the basis of the earlobe repair alone.
First 24 to 48 hours
There may be slight swelling and sensitivity in the lobe, easily controlled with paracetamol. Most patients report minimal discomfort, very different from pain. Keep the dressing clean and dry. Avoid wetting the lobes in the shower — protect them with a shower cap or simply be careful when washing your hair.
First week
The earlobe sutures are removed between seven and ten days after surgery. Until then, continue with the topical antibiotic as directed.
First month
After the sutures are removed, the scar will be pink and slightly raised. This is completely normal. I recommend using micropore over the scar for thirty days to modulate healing and minimise scar widening. The scar will gradually mature and lighten.
Three to six months
The scar reaches its maturity. At this point, it will be thin, light, and practically imperceptible, especially on lighter skin. In patients with a tendency for hypertrophic scarring, I may recommend complementary treatments such as corticosteroid infiltration or silicone sheets.
When can I return to wearing earrings?
This is the question I hear most often. I recommend waiting at least three months before piercing the lobe again. And when you do make the new hole, it is essential that it is positioned in healthy tissue, not over the scar. I advise that the new hole be made in a slightly different position from the previous one, in a location I indicate during the follow-up consultation.
After the new piercing, I recommend initially wearing light earrings (thin hoops, small studs) and avoiding heavy earrings for at least another three months. The idea is to give the tissue time to strengthen before subjecting it to weight again.
Possible risks and complications
Lobuloplasty is a low-risk surgery, but like any surgical procedure, it has potential complications that you should be aware of. My philosophy is always total transparency with my patients.
Visible scar
Every surgery leaves a scar. In lobuloplasty, the scar is inevitable, but with proper technique and post-operative care, it becomes very discreet. The location of the scar depends on the technique used, but it usually lies on the anterior part or the edge of the lobe, where it is partially disguised by the natural anatomy.
Keloid or hypertrophic scar
Patients with a history of keloids deserve special attention. The earlobe is, in fact, one of the areas of the body most prone to keloid formation. If you have ever had a keloid anywhere on your body, we will discuss preventive strategies before the surgery, such as the use of beta therapy (superficial radiotherapy) in the first hours after the procedure, corticosteroid infiltration, and compression with pressure earrings.
Asymmetry
No face is perfectly symmetrical, and lobes are no exception. I do my utmost to achieve symmetry between both sides, but small differences may exist and are generally imperceptible.
Recurrence of tearing
If the patient returns to wearing very heavy earrings or suffers new trauma, the lobe may tear again. Therefore, post-operative education is a fundamental part of my work: I advise on the type and weight of suitable earrings, the importance of removing them to sleep, and how to protect the lobes during physical activities.
Infection
Extremely rare when post-operative instructions are followed. The use of topical antibiotics and proper hygiene of the area virtually eliminates this risk.
Lobuloplasty for earlobe rejuvenation
In addition to repairing tears and enlarged holes, lobuloplasty has a use that many people are unaware of: the rejuvenation of the aged earlobe.
As the years go by, earlobes undergo the same changes as the rest of the face. They lose collagen, lose subcutaneous fat, become flaccid and elongated. Those full and rounded earlobes of youth transform into thin, pendulous lobes with horizontal creases. This change is subtle but significantly contributes to an aged appearance.
Reduction of the elongated earlobe
I can reduce earlobes that have become excessively long with age by removing a wedge of tissue from the lower region and reconstructing a younger and more balanced contour. In my practice, this correction is performed only during a facelift, which naturally pulls the earlobe during the repositioning of facial tissues.
Filling of the atrophic earlobe
Earlobes that have lost volume and become as thin as paper can be filled with hyaluronic acid or, preferably, with fat grafting. The filling restores youthful fullness to the earlobe and significantly improves how earrings are positioned.
It is impressive how this small intervention can rejuvenate the appearance of the ear and, by extension, the entire facial profile. Full and well-contoured earlobes are a sign of youth that often goes unnoticed until we restore them.
Care for earrings after lobuloplasty
An essential part of the long-term success of lobuloplasty is changing habits with earrings. It is pointless to repair the earlobe if you return to making the same mistakes that caused the initial problem.
Golden rules to protect your earlobes
- Avoid heavy earrings on a daily basis. Reserve large and heavy earrings for special occasions and for short periods.
- Remove earrings before sleeping. The pressure of the pillow against the earring can deform the earlobe over time.
- Use earring supports (larger disc backs or silicone supports) that distribute the weight and reduce pressure on the hole.
- Prefer lightweight materials for earrings: titanium, hollow 18k gold, or surgical steel are lighter than solid silver or costume jewellery with stones.
- Alternate between wearing and not wearing earrings to give your earlobes a rest.
- Never pull earrings to remove them. Open the clasp carefully.
Positioning of the new hole
When the time comes to re-pierce (after three months), it is ideal that this is done by me or under my guidance. I assess the scar tissue, identify the area with the greatest thickness and resistance, and mark the exact point for the new hole. This prevents the hole from being over the scar — which would weaken the repair — and ensures that the earring is aesthetically well positioned.
The hole should be made with a specific needle and not with a piercing gun, which causes excessive trauma to the tissue. After piercing, use hypoallergenic earrings (titanium or gold) in the first months to avoid allergic reactions that could compromise healing.
How much does lobuloplasty cost in Brazil?
Earlobe correction is part of the facelift plan. The individual quote sets out the items included in the planned surgery and is provided after assessment. I do not offer standalone office earlobe surgery.
During the consultation, after assessing your specific case, I present the exact cost and payment conditions. I do not work with quotes over the phone or WhatsApp, as I consider it essential to examine each patient in person before defining the approach and pricing.
My experience and approach in lobuloplasty
I graduated from the State University of Londrina and had the privilege of being a student of Professor Ivo Pitanguy, the greatest name in Brazilian plastic surgery. With him, I learned that there are no small or large surgeries — there are patients who deserve the same level of dedication regardless of the complexity of the procedure.
This philosophy applies perfectly to lobuloplasty. Although it is a technically simple surgery compared to a deep plane facelift, it requires the same rigor in planning, execution, and post-operative follow-up. A poorly repaired earlobe is visible to the naked eye and can be worse than the original problem.
I am a full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Over more than twenty years and more than eight thousand surgeries, I have accumulated extensive experience in facial procedures of all complexities, from the most delicate — such as lobuloplasty — to the most complex.
Why trust the plastic surgeon for lobuloplasty
Many people consider having lobuloplasty done by dermatologists or in aesthetic clinics. Although there are competent professionals in these areas, the plastic surgeon has specific training in flap techniques, aesthetic suturing, and tissue reconstruction that make a difference in the final result. The difference between a beautiful scar and a visible scar lies in the technical details that only years of surgical training provide.
Frequently asked questions about lobuloplasty
Does lobuloplasty hurt?
I perform earlobe repair only during a facelift, under general anaesthesia. After surgery, comfort and care of the lobes are addressed as part of facelift follow-up.
How long does the surgery last?
The time needed to correct the lobes depends on the planned repair and is part of the total facelift operating time. It is not a separate office surgery appointment.
Can I return to work the next day?
Because I perform earlobe repair during a facelift, your return to work and other activities follows the facelift recovery plan and your individual progress. A next-day return should not be planned on the basis of the earlobe repair alone.
When can I start wearing earrings again after lobuloplasty?
I recommend waiting at least three months to make a new hole. This period is necessary for the scar to mature and the tissue to regain adequate resistance. The new hole should be made under medical guidance, in a different position from the previous one, so as not to compromise the surgical repair.
Does lobuloplasty leave a scar?
Every surgery leaves a scar, but in lobuloplasty, it is extremely discreet. I use refined suturing techniques and fine sutures that result in almost imperceptible scars after complete maturation (three to six months). The use of micropore in the post-operative period helps to optimise the quality of the scar.
Can the surgery be done on both earlobes at the same time?
Both lobes can be assessed and, when appropriate, corrected during the same facelift. The plan takes the needs of each side into account.
I have a tendency to keloids. Can I have lobuloplasty?
Patients with a tendency to keloids may be candidates for lobuloplasty, but only with special care. A history of keloids may require preventive measures such as beta therapy (superficial radiotherapy) in the first 24-48 hours after surgery, corticosteroid infiltration, and more rigorous follow-up. I discuss all these strategies in the consultation so that you can make an informed decision.
Is it possible to reverse ear stretchers with lobuloplasty?
Lobuloplasty can often reverse earlobe stretchers, and this is one of the most frequent reasons for the procedure in young patients. The result depends on the diameter of the stretcher and the amount of remaining tissue. In smaller stretchers (up to 10mm), the result is usually excellent. For larger diameters, reconstruction is more complex and the final earlobe may be slightly smaller than the original.
Is the result of lobuloplasty permanent?
The result of lobuloplasty is intended to be long-lasting, provided you take proper care of your earlobes after surgery. Avoid excessively heavy earrings, remove them before sleeping, and protect your ears during activities that may cause trauma. With these simple precautions, the repair is less likely to stretch or tear again.
What is the difference between lobuloplasty and otoplasty?
Earlobe repair treats the soft lower part of the ear. Otoplasty addresses the shape and position of the outer ear, such as prominent ears. In my practice, I perform earlobe repair only during a facelift, not as a standalone office procedure.
Can I have lobuloplasty through public healthcare or insurance?
Lobuloplasty is considered an aesthetic procedure in most cases and is not usually covered by health insurance or Brazil's public health system (SUS). Exceptions may exist in cases of recent trauma (acute tear) or post-keloid reconstruction, which may have partial coverage. Consult your insurer to check your specific situation.
Do I need to have tests before lobuloplasty?
Preoperative tests are those requested for the facelift, tailored to your health. Earlobe correction is included in that same preparation.
Book via WhatsApp
If you have a torn, stretched or deformed earlobe and wish to restore the natural appearance of your ears, book a consultation with me. My team is ready to assist you, answer your questions, and find the best time for your assessment.
Learn more about the first consultation, the pricing, and the guidelines for pre-surgical preparation and post-operative recovery.
Are you ready to restore your earlobes? Book now!
Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
Plastic Surgeon in Londrina - Brazil
Rua Engenheiro Omar Rupp, 186
Londrina - Brazil
ZIP 86015-360
Brazil
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