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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nRegular ear\npiercings can become cosmetically unappealing to some people. Worse still is\nthe increasingly common practice called gauged earlobe stretching. This\ninvolves the use of expanders, known as gauges, to stretch the earlobe wide\nenough to insert increasingly larger decorative plugs. This can cause thinning\nand distortion of the earlobe tissues and lead to permanent damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patients\nwith ear piercings \u2013 especially those who wear gauged earrings \u2013 sometimes come\nto regret their decision afterward. Surgery to close earlobe holes is possible,\nbut tricky; gauge earring defects require new tissue in order to close the\nhole. Suturing it shut would result in an earlobe with an abnormal contour, so\ntissue is recruited from other areas of the earlobe in what is known as a local\nflap reconstruction. The procedure is generally performed in an outpatient\nsetting using local anesthesia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sutures to\nclose the skin should remain in place for several days afterward before being\nremoved. Some swelling is common and to be expected, but that should go away\nafter a few days. <\/p>\n\n\n