Earlobe Repair
Houston, TX
Who Needs Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair is a simple, straightforward, and outpatient procedure that aims to repair torn or stretched earlobes resulting from trauma, tearing, gauging, or piercing the ears. You may be an ideal candidate for this treatment if:
- You are in good physical and emotional health
- You have a torn earlobe as a result of injury of wearing heavy earrings
- You stopped wearing plug earrings and are looking to close elongated piercing holes
- You wish to rejuvenate earlobes that are extra thin
- You have realistic expectations about the outcome of this plastic surgery
When you visit Dr. Balinger for your first Houston earlobe repair consultation, the surgeon will listen to you and examine your ears before charting the best path forward. If the patient wishes to address prominent ears, then otoplasty (ear pinning surgery) will be recommended.
Your Initial Earlobe Repair Consultation
During your first earlobe repair consultation, Dr. Balinger will ask questions and examine the patient’s ears before moving forward to the next step. This initial consultation – which is offered free of charge at Dr. Balinger’s office – is an opportunity to learn more about what this treatment entails, and what you can expect from the procedure.
Prepare for Your Earlobe Repair in Houston TX
Once Dr. Balinger creates a customized treatment plan for you, the surgeon will let you know how to prepare for the otoplasty ear surgery. You will be asked to stop taking some medication and herbal supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding. Smoking is also forbidden in the weeks before the surgery because it can increase the risk of complications and impair healing. The surgeon will let you know what to do on the night before the surgery, and what supplies you need to have in place for a smooth recovery.
Your Surgical Experience
During earlobe repair plastic surgery, the surgeon will start with numbing the treatment area using local anesthesia. The specific technique used will be determined by the needs of the patient and the goals of the surgery. Dr. Balinger takes extra care to minimize the size of incisions and make sure that any scars resulting from this procedure are well concealed. The surgeon will typically get rid of scar tissue from the split or stretched piercing that may prevent the area from healing smoothly. Fine stitches are used to close the earlobe once the desired changes have been made. Earlobe repair surgery is performed at Dr. Balinger’s in-office operating room. This procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete and you will be allowed to go home immediately.
Recovery After Ear Surgery
Recovery after earlobe repair plastic surgery is usually simple and straightforward. Following the procedure, a small gauze will be used to cover the repaired area. You will be allowed to get rid of this covering after about a day. It is important that you keep the treatment site clean and apply the triple antibiotic ointment recommended to you. Avoid sleeping on your ears or applying any pressure that could interfere with the sutures. You can resume routine daily activities almost immediately after this procedure. While you can take a shower after the first 24 hours, avoid submerging the treatment area in water at least for a few days. Sutures are removed after seven days. Make sure to strictly follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions in order to ensure a speedy recovery following your Houston earlobe repair treatment.
Plan Your Procedure in Houston TX
The cost of earlobe repair varies from one patient to the other based on the specifics of the treatment. Dr. Balinger’s patients can expect to pay between $900 and $3,500 for this treatment. While health insurers may cover consultation for torn earlobes, you may need to cover the actual cost of the procedure out of pocket. During your consultation visit with Dr. Balinger, the surgeon will provide a cost estimate based on a personalized treatment plan developed for you. The surgeon offers financing options for his patients in Houston, Conroe, and surrounding TX areas.
Meet the Surgeon
Christopher Balinger, MD, brings keen professionalism to the operating table. With each patient, the surgeon creates a highly customized plan to achieve the desired procedure outcome while working to eliminate or minimize the risk of scarring and other side effects. Dr. Balinger is uniquely skilled to perform earlobe repair. He works with a team of highly qualified support staff who are committed to the safety and well being of their patients. If you are looking for the best plastic surgeon in Houston for earlobe repair, get in touch with Dr. Balinger’s office today.