Ear Lobe Repair: An Innovative Method

Introduction Ear piercing and ornament wearing is a historical tradition. Dilated ear lobe and torn earlobe usually results from sudden trauma or continuous use of heavy earrings. Various surgical techniques have been described for the correction of the same. Each procedure has its own pros and cons. The choice will depend on individual preferences and the defect, partial or total, and should offer a lower chance of recurrence. The corrections can be made with or without preservation of the earring orifice. This case report explains a novel technique to repair ear lobe using tissue fibrin.

Case Presentation A 67-year-old female presented with torn ear lobe due to usage of heavy ornaments. She was not a diabetic or hypertensive. All routine investigations were found to be normal. Ear lobe repair was done for her using tissue fibrin sealant glue. Postoperatively she was followed-up. A good postoperative result was achieved. Ear lobe sutured skin healed without any complications. Postoperative course was short and pain was reduced.

Discussion Cleft ear lobe and torn ear lobe have been known since ancient times. Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen was one of the earliest known to have stretched ear lobe. Many techniques have been described to repair ear lobe. The clinical usage of fibrin sealant has been extensively studied for diverse applications including tissue adhesion, wound closure, hemostasis, closure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, vascular embolization, and application of skin grafts. The tissue glue usually slough-off with wound reepithelialization within 5 to 10 days and do not require removal. The use of fibrin sealant for ear lobe repair gives good result, fast healing, good patient compliance, and good cosmetic result.

Conclusion The use of tissue fibrin sealant has several advantages over conventional sutures like their fast and painless application, rapid setting which reduce the total operating time and their antibacterial properties. It also has a good cosmetic result.