It seemed like a good idea at the time – getting gauges. But now, years later, you are having second thoughts. Maybe you aren’t allowed to wear them at work, or maybe you are just tired of looking at them. Unfortunately, unlike regular earrings, it is difficult with gauges to just take them out and go on about your life – but you can do something about it!
It’s not just gauges that can damage earlobes
Gauges are large cylinders placed in holes in the earlobes. The holes needed to accommodate gauges go way beyond those needed for earrings – gauges can be half an inch or even bigger. If the individual decides that he or she doesn’t want the gauge anymore, the hole doesn’t just shrink and disappear. The skin is too stretched out and disfigured.
However, earlobes can become stretched out even if you don’t have gauges. Wearing heavy earrings for many years or some sort of trauma – such as having an earring ripped out of your ear – can also cause damage to the earlobe.
Correcting earlobe damage
Fortunately, the earlobes can be repaired in a fairly simple procedure. In otoplasty (the medical term for cosmetic ear surgery), your doctor will plan the reconstruction of your earlobe so that it will look completely natural. Tiny sutures may be used to help repair the damage. General anesthesia is used, and the procedure can be performed in your doctor’s office – there’s no need for a hospital stay. It typically takes less than an hour and you can return to your normal activities right after the surgery. There will be some discomfort, but most patients find that over-the-counter pain medication is enough to manage this.
Having a gauge may get your ears some attention, but the stretched-out skin you’re left with after you take out the gauge will get you even more. Otoplasty is a quick procedure that can repair your earlobes so you don’t have to keep regretting your decision to get gauges. Contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for an otoplasty consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!
Comments are closed.