Philadelphia — According to a new study, using non-absorbable sutures to repair ripped or torn earlobes reduces the possibility of future tearing.
In his study, Steven Greenbaum, M.D., a dermatologic surgeon here, writes that he has found non-absorbable sutures to repair earlobe tears caused by large, heavy earrings have the effect of reinforcing the earlobe and reducing the risk of future tearing when re-piercing occurs. His study was published recently in Dermatologic Surgery.
Traditionally, Dr. Greenbaum writes, repairing torn earlobes has involved removing the skin lining the “split” in order to create a clean edge and then stitching the lobe back together. While relatively quick and effective, this procedure and other traditional ones leave open the possibility of tears recurring if the ear is pierced again, he writes.
Dr. Greenbaum writes that while the use of non-absorbable sutures does result in some redness and scarring, these fade over time and the ear can be re-pierced with minimal risk of re-tearing.
