Repair of Partial and Complete Earlobe Clefts: A Review of 21 Methods

Background: Partially or completely spilt earlobes are a common reason for patient presentation to the cosmetic surgeon. Methods: In this article, we review the different techniques of repairing both partial and complete cleft earlobes. Results:We review and illustrate 4 methods to repair a partial cleft earlobe and 17 methods to correct a complete cleft earlobe. In addition, preoperative, intraoperative, and follow-up photographs are shown on several examples. Conclusions: Earlobe clefts may be repaired by various techniques. While advantages and disadvantages exist for each method, the surgeon should be familiar with categorizing the cleft, choosing a repair, and deciding whether to repierce the earlobe intra- or postoperatively