Over time, a pierced earlobe can become stretched if a person frequently wears large or heavy earrings. In addition to creating a long or wide opening, earrings may tear completely through the lobe. A torn earlobe may also result from trauma, such as having an earring pulled off or caught on clothing.
Torn earlobes can be repaired in the office under local anesthesia. Sutures are removed after one week. Earlobes are then repierced 4-5 weeks after the repair.
