Double Opposing Perpendicular Linear Repair of Gauge Ear-Piercing Deformity: A New Technique and Literature Review

OBJECTIVE The repair of dilated ear lobules after gauge ear piercing is increasingly performed to restore the natural ear appearance and shape for esthetic, professional, or social reasons. Because of a deficit of remaining lobule tissue, reconstruction of this area can be challenging. Many have described the repair of partial cleft ear lobule defects, but few focus on the repair of dilated ear lobules. The authors review the methods of repair described in the literature and propose a new technique. METHODS A double opposing perpendicular linear closure was used to repair dilated ear lobules. A linear closure is made on the anterior aspect of the circular lobular defect followed by a linear closure on the posterior aspect oriented 90 degrees to that of the anterior surface. RESULTS This method produces an esthetically pleasing result with a rounded, natural appearance. Perpendicular repair lines prevent the dog-ear deformity that may be noticed on the lobule with a single linear closure. Preserving the outer remnant of ear lobule prevents notching seen when this area is violated. CONCLUSIONS Several different techniques have been described for repair of the dilated ear lobule that has been deformed by gauge ear piercing. We describe a new method that is simple to perform and successful in restoring the dilated ear lobule.