Treatment of traumatic earlobe clefts

Abstract

Torn and split earlobes are common and often due to earring trauma. Repair of split earlobe clefts is one of the most common problems in plastic surgery. However, little has been written recently about this subject. This article compares our technique for repairing cleft earlobes with other described techniques. The technique presented is sound, simple in concept, technically undemanding to perform, and has definite advantages over other methods currently in use. A waiting period before repiercing the ear is suggested to allow the earlobe tissue to soften and assume its final shape. Neither recurrence nor notching of the lobule has been a problem.

One‐step technique for esthetic earlobe repair

“…The multiple surgical techniques described aim for complete and esthetically acceptable closure of the torn earlobes . But the risk of earlobe tract elongation remains on re‐piercing the earlobe at the original site.…”

“…The repair of tear or elongated slit is a common cosmetic surgery procedure. Multiple techniques are described for the repair of elongated or completely torn earlobe tracts, but they have their own pros and cons …”

Which Type of Earring and Which Piercing Point Is Safest with Regard to Tearing Through the Ear by an External Force?

“…Although ear piercing by hand is a low‐risk procedure, it has its early and late complications. The most serious complications include earlobe infection, keloid formation, tissue loss from violent trauma, and earlobe clefting …”

A Better Way to Repair Torn Earlobes Using a Modified Z-Plasty

“…Over time, with wound contracture, a groove along the suture line or a notch at the inferior free earlobe margin may develop (Figure 1). 1 To avoid this complication, many authors have recommended using some method to break up the standard straight‐line closure on the anterior surface of the earlobe or, more commonly, at the inferior lobular rim using a Z‐plasty 1–4 …”