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Advanced treatments to improve skin texture and even out tone for a smoother, radiant complexion.

Volume & Contouring

Tailored solutions to restore facial volume and enhance natural contours for a more youthful appearance.

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The condition

Split Earlobes

What are Split, Torn, or Stretched Earlobes?

It is when the ear lobes are damaged or stretched over time, causing the piercing hole to stretch, the whole lobe to enlarge or tear. It can strike one or both ears, and although it isn’t harmful, it can shake your confidence especially if you’re one of those people who can’t leave the house without earrings.

What Causes Earlobe Damage or Ear Stretching?

There are a number of universal causes for earlobe stretching, or tearing:

  • Heavy Earrings: The ears are being pulled down by years of wearing earrings that are too heavy or weighed down.
  • Trauma or Accidents: When earrings are caught in clothing, children pulling on a mother’s earring, or with a sudden tug can cause a rip.
  • Gauge Piercings: Those who used to rock plugs or gauges can experience permanent stretching after taking them out.
  • Skin Elasticity & Age: With age, comes a decrease in skin’s elasticity, which in turn makes earlobes more susceptible to sagging or tearing

What Does a Stretched or Torn Earlobe Feel and Look Like?

  • Apparent Elongation: The hole looks longer, sometimes draping lower down the lobe.
  • Partial or Complete Tear: Sometimes the hole tears all the way through.
  • Thin lobe: The lobe loses its normal texture and is either soft and thin or it can have an uneven surface.
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The symptoms

Visible sagging or elongation
Your piercing hole seems to be growing longer or hanging down

Heavy earrings worn too frequently or too long will eventually cause your earlobe to pull down, putting your hole in the most susceptible position, stretched and saggy.

Partial or complete tear
The earlobe tears down from the piercing

A sudden pull like your earring getting caught or tugged can rip the lobe, either partially or all the way through.

Thinned-out or floppy lobes
What you feel may be a thin, “deflated” lobe

Ears that are guaged need only with time and/or aging start to lose their size, shape and volume after either the over stretching of skin or through repeated trauma. They may be floppy or feel less firm than they once did.

Earrings don’t sit right anymore
Your favorite studs or hoops hang awkwardly

When the hole expands and the lobe becomes “unskinnier,” earrings can lean and droop — or even slip out altogether.

When to see a doctor?
Consultation Is The Key
When to see a Professional About Split or Stretched Earlobes

Although this isn’t an emergency, it can make you feel self-conscious. If you’re just skipping earrings and finding it frustrating, a consultation could be time well spent.

Seeking Professional Help for Damaged Earlobes

We provide custom treatments for earlobe repair at Harley Street Skin Clinic. Whether you’re looking to recover from a full tear, to gain a more lifted appearance, we’ve got your back.

The causes
What Causes Earlobe Damage?

Earlobe splits/tears are often the result of a combination of long term habits, aging and accidents. Heavy earrings used for a long time are one of the most frequent etiologies. These can stretch the piercing down over time, especially if worn every day or while you sleep.

The risk factors
What Are the Risk Factors for Split, Torn, or Stretched Earlobes?

There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood of getting split or stretched earlobes. People who often wear heavy, large or long earrings are at greater risk because their earrings can pull down on the lobes for long periods. Age also matters — as we age, our skin loses collagen and elasticity, which causes the earlobes to thin and become more susceptible to stretching and tearing.

The complications
Overall Impact
Understanding Stretched or Torn Earlobes Complications
  • Body Image Issues

    There are some who won’t pull their hair back, or not wear their earrings at all, due to self-consciousness.

  • Style Limitations

    Your go-to earrings may not continue to sit just right or in at all.

  • Frustration or Embarrassment

    Mostly on formal occasions, photo session or while dressing up.

The prevention
Wear Light Earrings
How can you wear earrings daily without risking damage?

Choosing smaller, lightweight studs or hoops decreases the prolonged downward tug on your earlobe, which can help keep your lobes perky and resilient over time.

Do not sleep with your earrings on

Taking your earrings out when you sleep reduces the risk of them getting caught on pillows or hair, which could lead to sudden rips or irritation.

Use silicone earring support patches

Silicone patches spread weight across the ear for maximum comfort, which aids in taking the pressure off the piercing and is ideal for long wear and use of heavy earrings for stretched lobes.

Rotate your earring choices

Letting some of your heavier jewellery rest after heavy periods of wear allows the tissue to recuperate and lessens the wear and tear on your piercing hole.

Get ear piercing only by a professional

A piercing placed too low or too snuggled to the edge of the lobe crease is more likely to stretch or tear with time and wear. And in the hands of a professional they can be placed just right and even.

Keep lobes hydrated

Moisturizers or oils such as Vitamin E can help keep your skin elastic, allowing your earlobes to be more resistant to stretching out or being damaged by age.

  • collapse expand
    How can you wear earrings daily without risking damage?
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John

John

★★★★★

Very calming and professional

12th May 2025

Rhea Sahans

Rhea Sahans

★★★★★

Excellent service by Dr Stark

14th May 2025

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Anna Zhang

Anna Zhang

★★★★★

Very good

12th May 2025

Sinead McCann

Sinead McCann

★★★★★

Great experience with Dr Omar. Highly recommend

9th May 2025

Joshua Hagley

Joshua Hagley

★★★★★

Fantastic service. Dr Omar was very kind and helpful.

9th May 2025

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David Perkins

David Perkins

★★★★★

Saw Dr Omar who was great, friendly and professional.

24th March 2025

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Gillian and Bill McLeod

Gillian And Bill McLeod

★★★★★

Wonderful consultation with Lesley!

11th March 2025

Yasmin Juma

Yasmin Juma

★★★★★

Very good service

10th March 2025

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Frida Carlow

Frida Carlow

★★★★★

Great treatment! Very helpful receptionist!

10th March 2025

Mariana O.

Mariana O.

★★★★★

The best clinic !

6th March 2025