It is a well recognized phenomenon that as we age, our earlobes sag and 'grow' longer. With this sagging, some earlobes get thinner and develop creases or wrinkles as well. This is almost an exclusive female problem which is often exaggerated by the use of ear ring wear over the years. In those women who develop elongated ear lobe holes or have actual earlobe hole tears, resulting in a split ear lobe, the ear lobes are often quite thin as well even after surgical repair.
One of the more uncommon, but very beneficial uses of injectable fillers, is to rejuvenate the appearance of the thinned ear lobe. Adding volume to the ear lobe through an injectable filler helps expand and stretch the ear lobe out to a more youthful appearance. I prefer the use of a hyaluronic filler, such as Juvaderm, Restylane, or Perlane, to create this tissue-expanding earlobe effect. It is quick and easy to perform and a hyaluronic filler flows in quite nicely into the small space of the earlobe. A small volume of .2 to .3ccs is all that is needed per each ear lobe. An injectable filler in the ear lobe seems to last much longer than in any other area of the face, presumably due to the lack of wear and tear of any muscle movement on the treated area. Patients can wear ear rings immediately thereafter and there is no swelling or bruising after treatment. You might call it a 'lunch time' ear lobe lift or rejuvenation!
INDIANAPOLIS
I would not say that the hyaluronic acid fillers in the ear lobe are permanent but volume retention up to a year is likely. I suspect that any of the particulated fillers (radiesse, ArteFill) would last much longer (in the range of years) and I will likely turn to using those instead in the near future. I don't think they pose any increased risk in the ear lobe of foreign body reaction compared to any other facial area.
For those squeamish about putting a needle in the ear (as I would be!), I always numb up the ear lobe area first by doing a simple injection of local anesthetic right in front of the earlobe which is not as tender an area. Ear lobe injections then become painless! Within a minute or two, your earlobes are plump and full again and any creases are much smaller or gone completely!
Earlobe Rejuvenation With Injectable Fillers
Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com
INDIANAPOLIS
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