Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West at his desk in clinic, writing up notes.

Split earlobe repair

Repairs splits or holes in the earlobe from previous piercings.

The operation

Splits or holes in the earlobe from previous piercings can have a significant impact on how people look and feel. Repairing these splits and holes takes about an hour.

Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, so you are awake. The edges of the splits and holes are removed before the tissue is reshaped and stitched back together. Although the scars are small, they need to be planned carefully.

In theatre
1 hour
Anaesthetic
Local
Downtime
1 to 2 days
Exercise
1 to 2 weeks
Price
From £650
Suited to
Splits or holes in the ear caused by piercing or trauma.
How it works
The edges of the split or hole are removed before it is repaired.
The result
Repair of the holes or splits and an improved appearance.
Mr West at his desk in clinic, reading results on a tablet.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    Mr West marks the planned incision carefully before surgery. Local anaesthetic is injected, which stings for a few seconds. Through the skin incisions, the splits and holes are repaired and closed with small skin stitches. Antibiotic ointment is applied to the scars.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

We will discuss this in detail at your consultation. Swelling and bruising for 1 week is to be expected. Infections can occur, which are treated with antibiotics. Minor bleeding can rarely happen and should stop with pressure. The scar is usually very well concealed. Sometimes it can take a while to settle and regular massage helps.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

Sutures are removed after 5 to 7 days and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 2 to 3 days. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 10 days.

When can I pierce my ears again?

It is possible to pierce ears again, but you should wait at least 3 months.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.