Split ear or split ear lobule is a common condition resulting from trauma to ear lobe by either using heavy jewelry for a longer time or earring stuck in clothes or blanket and pulled through ear lobe pierced hole causing it to split.

Ear split can be partial (only ear piercing hole is increased in size significantly), or complete split of ear lobe. 

It is treated with surgery by making an incision along the borders of the split, refashion the edges and repair both edges with sutures. Non absorbable sutures are frequently used and removal of stitches done in 7 days after follow up visit. This procedure is done as daycare under local anesthesia in adults. 

Patient is instructed not to use the same area for ear piercing for a few weeks and instructed to avoid using heavy jewelry on other holes till repair is healed. Recurrence is high in non-compliant individuals.

FAQ

1. What is the duration of surgery for split ear?

It’s usually done in 30 minute to one hour if done on both sides

2. What are chances of recurrence?

If proper post-operative instructions are followed recurrence can be prevented. Recurrence is high in non-compliant patients.

3. Is there any disadvantage of of surgery?

There is no disadvantage of surgery but if condition occurs again and again it results in narrow lobule

4. Is surgery mandatory for split ear?

It depends on the patient’s wish for corrective procedure. Some people leave them as they are and get ear piercings adjacent to it.

 

Written by :  Dr. Fahmina

Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons