It’s a tale as old as time: getting a tattoo or piercing that you thought looked cool – without regard for the future. In your particular case, it was a gauge piercing, and now you’re desperate for it to be removed.
Gauge piercings are still quite popular, as they create “tribal-looking” earlobes that have large circles – sometimes referred to as gauges – inserted into the piercings. The goal of this type of body modification piercing is to stretch the earlobe over time.
Like with tattoos, many people change their minds after just a few years of having their gauge piercings. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to encourage the earlobes to snap back into place, especially if they’ve been seriously stretched by the piercings. However, with the aid of a skilled plastic surgeon, the ear lobe can be prepared with minimal anesthesia and recovery time.
If you’re interested in repairing your ear lobe after a gauge piercing, schedule a consultation with Sean Doherty, MD at his plastic surgery practice in Chestnut Hill, MA (also serving the greater Boston, MA area). Dr. Doherty has years of experience repairing stretched ear lobes, and will typically use the following process to make the repairs:
- Doherty will recommend that patients remove their gauge piercings for at least six weeks before the actual procedure. This allows the skin to shrink down.
- The procedure is performed at Dr. Doherty’s office under local anesthesia. The hole will be surgically removed by closing it from the inside out. Both dissolving and non-dissolving sutures are removed within 12 to 14 days.
- Patients are able to go home that very day.
Swelling and discomfort are minimal after the procedure, which gives this procedure a high rate of patient satisfaction.
It’s important to note that some patients may notice that the lower part of the ear lobe keeps an irregular shape after the initial repairs. If this occurs, Dr. Doherty can repair the extra skin about two to three months later during another outpatient treatment.
For more information on how to repair and remove a gauge piercing, schedule a consultation with Dr. Doherty at his practice in Chestnut Hill, MA (also serving the greater Boston area). To learn more just fill out the form in the top right corner or call (617) 735.8735.