Ear lobe stitches are a cosmetic procedure that corrects irregularities in the earlobe. There is minimal risk and high satisfaction. Minor complications like bleeding or swelling can happen, but these are usually resolved within one week. The rate of infection is very low, and scarring usually heals well, though it may require further treatment for thicker scars. It is possible to correct partial recurrences in a small percentage of patients.
Pain following ear lobe stitches
The pain is not as severe after the anesthetic has worn off. You can apply ointment on the incision area to minimize discomfort. To reduce discomfort, you can use hydrogen peroxide or soapy to clean the sutures. Your ear should not be submerged. It is important to restrain your movements after the procedure. Tylenol can also be used to manage pain.
There are many reasons that your earlobe may need to be repaired. A damaged lobe may be the result of a trauma or long-term wear of heavy earrings. Either way, the procedure will restore your earlobe's appearance. The local anesthesia will be injected by your plastic surgeon. The doctor will then remove the damaged tissue and stitch the skin back together. Once the procedure is over, you'll be able to drive back home.
Time to recover
The length of recovery for ear lobe stitches depends on how extensive the procedure was, but most patients return home within the same day. Postoperative pain is usually mild and easily manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. The first few days will bring some swelling and sensitivity. The swelling will subside and you can resume your normal work routine.
The whole procedure is performed in an office environment and takes approximately an hour. Local anesthesia may be used. The surgeon will determine the best procedure for you based on your needs. To make the ear lobe look normal, excess hanging skin is removed. With flaps or stitches, large holes due to gauges can be closed. To restore their normal shape and size, split earlobes will be stitched together. The stitches will dissolve within a week. Patients may then be allowed to continue wearing their pierced ears.
Prices
Although an ear lobe repair is considered cosmetic surgery, it is not typically covered by medical insurance. It may still cost less than you think depending on how severe the damage is and what type of procedure was performed. 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 process takes only about an hour and is generally done in the office. The surgeon will remove any damaged skin and then reposition soft tissue before stitching the earlobe back together with small sutures. The scar will appear as a thin pencil mark after the procedure.
Side effects
Most side effects from a surgical repair of the earlobe are minimal. The procedure requires local anesthetic. It also involves the removal and re-shaping of skin. Sutures are used to close incisions. The entire procedure can be completed in less than an hours. The procedure can take less than an hour. Minor soreness and discomfort may occur, but these are usually mild and can be treated using Tylenol and other over-the-counter pain relief medications. After repair, the stitches can be removed in one to two week. It is important to follow the instructions for post-operative care.
Post-operative pain is typically minimal, and most patients are able to return to work or home within a day or two. There may be some swelling and bruising in the treated area, but this will be temporary. Most patients will recover within two to seven working days. Pain medication is commonly prescribed for this side effect. Patients are advised to rest and not exercise for seven to ten to 10 days following surgery to reduce scarring and infection.