Earlobe Repair (Split, Torn, or Gauge)

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Split or torn earlobe repair is done to repair an earlobe that has been pierced and the hole splits or tears open. This is usually due to the prolonged use of heavy earrings, but sometimes can result from an infant grabbing an earring and pulling it from mom's ear. The procedure can be done in an office setting under local anesthesia and takes about an hour. Re-piercing the ear is usually done about 6 weeks later, in a part of the earlobe that is not involved with the healed scar.

Gauge repair is done to close a hole that is no longer needed or perhaps wanted.   This is a common repair done in an office setting for someone looking to join the military, and cannot do so until the gauge hole is closed.

Not all earlobe repairs are the same.   There have been many articles written about earlobe repair, because it is not as straight forward as it seems.   The scar should not be linear or straight, the lobe (earlobe) needs to have a contour that is natural, and the two sides being brought back together are never equal.   All of the above comes into play when a "surgical plan" is created.   Attention to detail can leave a healed earlobe that looks very natural. 
Insurance may cover the procedure.