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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Published on: January 19, 2022
Nonsurgical technique for incomplete earlobe cleft repair
Maria Cristina Cardoso de Mendonça1, Ana Rosa Magaldi Ribeiro de Oliveira, Júnia Maria Fernandes Araújo
1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. mcrismendonca@terra.com.br
Summary
A novel non-surgical method using trichloroacetic acid effectively repairs incomplete earlobe clefts. This minimally invasive treatment offers excellent cosmetic outcomes and high patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Aesthetic Medicine
Background:
- Earlobe clefts, often caused by jewelry, are a common cosmetic concern.
- Incomplete earlobe clefts are typically bilateral and often surgically corrected.
- Surgical repair can have limitations and associated risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a non-surgical approach for repairing incomplete earlobe clefts.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trichloroacetic acid (90%) for this purpose.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 32 patients with 53 affected earlobes underwent non-invasive repair.
- Treatment involved the application of trichloroacetic acid 90% over a period of 2 to 50 days.
Main Results:
- Complete cleft repair was achieved in all cases.
- The average treatment duration was 15 days.
- No recurrences were noted during a 1-year follow-up period.
- High patient satisfaction with aesthetic results was reported.
Conclusions:
- Non-surgical repair using trichloroacetic acid 90% presents a viable alternative to surgery for incomplete earlobe clefts.
- This method offers good functional and cosmetic results with minimal risk, low cost, and ease of application.
