Surgical Pearl: Repair of split or deformed ear lobe with a tongue depressor blade for stabilization during surgery

Laser Earlobe Revision

“…Torn earlobes, also known as earlobe clefts, are a complication secondary to ear piercing and a common cosmetic complaint . Earlobe tears may occur acutely from trauma such as pulling, entanglement, or abuse or from chronic heavy earring application, prolonged traction, repetitive tension from activities such as jogging, or the facial aging process . Torn earlobes are classified as complete (full tear) or incomplete (partial tear) based on whether the skin bridge at the periphery of the earlobe is intact .…”

Repair of Dilated Earlobe Due to Plug Piercing

“…[2][3][4] We present a different technique based on the use of wedge excisions. We have treated three male patients who have had ear plug piercing and were no longer pleased with their appearance.…”

“…Williams and Majumder recently described a technique involving excision of excess earlobe tissue and repair of the enlarged hole by de-epithelialization of the margin. [2][3][4] We present a different technique based on the use of wedge excisions. We have treated three male patients who have had ear plug piercing and were no longer pleased with their appearance.…”

Repair of Partial Earlobe Cleft Using a "Purse-String" Repair

“…As in McLaren's technique, the opposing margins are sutured together in a straight-line fashion. To provide stabilization of the earlobe during the repair, a tongue depressor blade 6 or chalazion clamp 7 may be used to immobilize the ear lobule.…”