Gauged Earlobes
Over the last two decades or so, we have seen an increase in body modifications and piercings. Gauged earlobes, or ear stretching, is accomplished by slowly stretching out an ear-piercing hole with what are called gauges. The gauges get changed out with bigger ones over time so when they are removed, there is a large ear-piercing hole remaining.
Do gauge holes close up? Yes. However, if an individual wants to close their gauged ears, they will need repair if the gauges were large enough before they were removed. There are many different reasons why people remove their gauges and want to shrink their ear-piercing holes. Sometimes, it is for their jobs, school, or they simply want to change their appearance. We have had many clients in the clinic who want to join the military and also need to get their gauged earlobes repaired.
Treatment Options:
Remove gauges – Small gauges may allow the earlobe to “shrink” back close to its original appearance or only leave a small ear hole that is cosmetically ok with the patient.
Dermal Fillers – Dermal fillers like Restylane®, JUVEDERM® or Bellafill® may be used to fill the thinned-out earlobe and close a small hole that remains following the removal of the gauges.
Surgery – Surgical improvement can be completed in the office under local anesthesia. With large gauges, a portion of the stretched-out earlobe may need to be removed. The edges of the earlobe will be opened up using the Ellman Surgitron and then closed with sutures to fill the hole left behind by the gauges.