What It Is

Ear laceration repair is a surgical procedure to treat cuts, tears, or traumatic injuries of the ear. These injuries may involve only the skin or extend deeper to the cartilage framework of the auricle. Common causes include accidents, sports injuries, bites, or jewelry-related trauma.

The procedure restores the shape, function, and aesthetics of the ear using precise suturing, cartilage repair, and sometimes grafting. In Korea, plastic and reconstructive surgeons perform ear laceration repair with microsurgical precision and advanced scar-minimization techniques to achieve natural results.

Why It’s Done

Patients undergo ear laceration repair because:

• The ear has been cut, torn, or partially detached.
• There is risk of infection or cartilage exposure.
• They want to restore the appearance and symmetry of the ear.
• Severe lacerations could cause long-term deformity if untreated.

Good candidates include:

• Patients with fresh ear injuries requiring urgent repair.
• Individuals with healed but poorly repaired lacerations seeking revision.
• Children and adults with ear trauma affecting appearance or function.

Alternatives

• Conservative wound care for very small, superficial cuts.
• Tissue adhesives (glue) in select minor cases.
• Scar revision surgery later if initial repair is inadequate.

Preparation

Before undergoing ear laceration repair in Korea, patients will:

• Have a clinical evaluation to assess depth of injury and cartilage involvement.
• Undergo cleaning and debridement of the wound.
• Receive tetanus prophylaxis if needed.
• Stop smoking and alcohol to support healing.
• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements.

How It’s Done

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation is common; general anesthesia may be used for children or complex cases.
• Wound cleaning: Irrigation and debridement are performed to prevent infection.
• Cartilage repair: If involved, cartilage is precisely aligned and sutured.
• Skin closure: Skin is carefully sutured in layers to minimize scarring.
• Dressings: Pressure dressings are applied to prevent hematoma formation.
• Duration: 30–90 minutes depending on complexity.

Recovery

• First week: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected. Antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Stitches: Removed in 5–10 days unless dissolvable sutures are used.
• Return to activities: Most patients resume light daily activities in a few days, but contact sports should be avoided for several weeks.
• Final results: Natural contour and minimal scarring typically achieved within 1–2 months.

Possible Complications

• Hematoma (blood collection under the skin).
• Infection leading to cartilage damage (chondritis).
• Asymmetry or deformity if cartilage heals improperly.
• Hypertrophic or visible scarring.

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

Korean surgeons perform clinical evaluation, imaging (if severe trauma), and infection assessment before repair.

Medical Treatments

• Wound cleaning and dressing for minor cuts.
• Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Primary repair with layered suturing for simple lacerations.
• Cartilage reconstruction for deeper injuries.
• Local flap techniques for large tissue loss.
• Scar revision surgery for old or poorly healed injuries.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Regular follow-ups to monitor wound healing.
• Scar management with silicone gels or laser therapy if needed.
• Ear protection during recovery to prevent re-injury.
• International patients benefit from Korea’s aesthetic plastic surgery expertise, reconstructive precision, and multilingual aftercare support.