Young people and teenagers often make decisions that may not stand the test of time. Altering your appearance today, may seem like a not so great idea in future years. Such is the case with many young adults who have stretched their earlobes in order to sport an alternative look with earrings. Fast forward several years, and many of these same individuals are interested in appearing more conservative, whether it be for a potential job or career. For some, it can mean leaving the stretched earlobes behind, and doing so requires a surgical procedure.
Beyond Self-Repair
Just because you stretched your earlobe to accommodate gauge jewelry does not necessarily mean you will need surgery to get it looking normal again; however, for it to naturally shrink back, a few conditions need to be met. Everybody heals and adjusts to changes differently. One person’s earlobe may shrink back to normal after having a stretched piercing and another may need surgical repair.
Generally, holes that are less than a half inch in diameter may shrink back naturally if the jewelry is left out. There is no guarantee, however. How the lobe was stretched, how far and how long it has been healed are also factors. Those whose lobes were stretched slowly with care taken not to tear or scar the tissue have a better chance of it shrinking back, if the hole is small enough. Larger holes and those that have been healed for years may not respond to nature.
Closing the Gap
A normal-looking earlobe is within your grasp even if it requires surgery. Closing the gap may involve the removal of some of the stretched tissue. The lobe is then stitched closed. Earlobe reconstruction in some instances can be a short procedure, taking no more that fifteen or twenty minutes. Some individuals may require a longer surgery depending on the circumstances.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. The earlobe is shortened when the remaining tissue is sutured together. A skilled surgeon reshapes the lobe so it looks normal again.
An individual may decide to have his or her earlobes stretched, knowing later the idea may be regrettable. Others do not plan on making the change, until pursuit of a job or other situation dictates otherwise. The procedure to reverse stretched earlobes requires skill and artistry.
Dr. Eric Cerrati is known for his expertise in producing natural-looking results with cosmetic, reconstructive and non-surgical procedures. Call today to schedule a consultation appointment.
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