Most commonly trauma from heavy or dangling earrings creates a slit in the ear lobe that begins at the point of piercing and continues to the base of the ear lobe. Although split ear lobe repair may be considered by most to be more of a minor cosmetic procedure, we include it here because the information and surgery is so commonly requested.

"Is it painful?" "When can I wash my hair following repair?" "When can I go back to work?" In our Split Ear Lobe FAQs you will find answers to many questions.

As you will see in our before and after photographs, many patients combine split ear lobe repair with other cosmetic procedures such as the contouring of a chin implant or with a facial rejuvenation procedure such as a facelift to eliminate a "saggy neck" or "turkey wattle" to tightening of the jowl area. Others come to discuss neck liposuction and fat injections, which can easily be combined with split earlobe repair. Fat injections can be used in many areas of the face including the smile lines and for lip augmentation.

Once thought a beauty procedure sought by only wealthy women, in today's competitive corporate workplace, cosmetic surgery for men to restore a younger look that more typifies their energy level is on the rise. Men also frequently ask about brow lifts for correction of frown lines between the eyes or blepharoplasty for improvements in bags under the eyes.

Patients also learn about chin implants when they seek information about improving superficial skin wrinkles in the chin area with a chemical peel, laser surgery or similar skin resurfacing procedure. Lip surgery can also be performed in conjunction with a chin implants.

A board certified facial plastic surgeon, trained to perform cosmetic surgery exclusively on faces and necks, knows that his responsibility is to evaluate not only the areas of concern but also the motivation behind the requests. It goes without saying, a cosmetic surgery won't save a failing marriage. Similarly some patients not ready for cosmetic surgery are better served with conservative measures, such as Botox for fine lines and wrinkles or Collagen for crows feet. Patients who educate themselves about facial rejuvenation know when and if the time is right to proceed.

An important first step toward any cosmetic surgery is to have a facial plastic surgeon assess the entire picture before making specific recommendations. At an initial consultation, we will provide a complete head and neck exam including both ears. Skin type, ethnic background, age and general health are important factors influencing the outcome of surgery. Together we may discuss many alternatives before determining if a split ear lobe repair is right for you.

Split ear lobe repair is a safe, effective procedure performed to restore the ear lobe and pierce it again if possible. As with all facial plastic surgery, a thorough health assessment and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Your understanding of instructions and routines is essential to a successful final result.