As a plastic surgeon at Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I see patients who are bothered by changes to their earlobes after piercing. Sometimes these changes happen suddenly. Other times, they develop slowly over years.
Fortunately, earlobe deformities are very treatable. With the right approach, I can restore the natural shape of the earlobe and help earrings sit comfortably again.
Below, I’ll walk through the most common types of earlobe piercing deformities I treat—and explain how surgical repair helps.
Embedded Earring Post
An embedded earring happens when the earlobe swells and grows over the back of the earring. As a result, the post becomes trapped inside the earlobe.
This often occurs:
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After recent piercing
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With tight earring backs
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When swelling is not addressed early
Because the skin heals over the earring, removal usually requires a small procedure rather than simple pulling.
How I treat it:
I gently release the skin around the embedded post and remove the earring under local anesthesia. Afterward, I clean the area carefully and guide healing to reduce infection and scarring. I recommend either allowing the wound to heal and plan for a new piercing after 6 months, or replacement in the piercing with a new earring with a longer post.
Split Earlobe
A split earlobe develops when the piercing stretches so much that it tears all the way through the earlobe. Heavy earrings and long-term pulling are the most common causes.
Over time, what starts as a small elongation can progress into a full-thickness split.
How I treat it:
I surgically repair the split by trimming the damaged edges and carefully re-shaping the earlobe using a double opposing skin flaps. Â Then, I close the area in layers to create a smooth, natural contour. Once healed, patients can often re-pierce the ear in a new position.
Elongated Piercing Hole
In some cases, the piercing does not fully tear. Instead, it stretches into a long, oval shape. When this happens, earrings may droop, tilt forward, or no longer sit centered on the ear.
Although subtle, this change can be frustrating—especially when earrings never look quite right.
How I treat it:
I close the elongated portion of the piercing and reshape the earlobe opening and the earlobe itself. This restores support so earrings sit upright and balanced again.
Keloid Scar at a Piercing Site
A keloid is a thick scar that grows beyond the original piercing hole. Unlike normal scars, keloids continue to enlarge and can distort the shape of the earlobe.
They may feel:
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Firm or rubbery
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Tender or itchy
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Visually prominent
Some people are more prone to keloid formation, especially after ear piercings.
How I treat it:
Treatment often involves surgical removal combined with additional therapies, such as steroid injections, to reduce the risk of recurrence. Because keloids behave differently than regular scars, I tailor the plan carefully for each patient.
What to Expect from Earlobe Repair Surgery
Most earlobe repairs are:
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Performed in the clinic
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Done under local anesthesia
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Completed in under an hour
Recovery is usually straightforward. Patients return to normal activities quickly, with stitches removed in about a week. Over time, the scar softens and blends naturally into the earlobe.
Final Thoughts
Earlobe piercing deformities are common—but they don’t have to be permanent. Whether the issue happened suddenly or developed over many years, surgical repair can restore comfort, symmetry, and confidence.
If you’re bothered by changes in your earlobes, I’m always happy to talk through options and help you decide what makes sense for you.
— Dr. Tina Jenq
