title: Use of a deep polypropylene suture during earlobe repair: a method to provide permanent reinforcement in the prevention of recurrent earlobe tract elongation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cosmetic repair of elongated or lacerated earlobe tracts is a commonly encountered dermatologic procedure. For esthetic purposes, patients may choose to repierce the repaired lobe over the original site. Subsequent piercing within a scarred area potentially increases the risk of recurrent tract elongation secondary to the reduced tensile strength of the scar.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To strengthen a damaged earlobe by incorporating a nonabsorbable, dermal polypropylene suture during earlobe
  
  
  METHODS
  The technique is described within the text.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A deep polypropylene suture placed within a repaired earlobe tract provides a permanent barrier above which repiercing can be performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Permanent reinforcement of the repaired earlobe serves to reduce the possibility of recurrent elongation of the earlobe tract. The technique is relevant when repeat piercing is desired over the original site.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA. josephfgreco@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Joseph F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Greco
authors.forename: Christine S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Stanko
authors.forename: Steven S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Greenbaum
mesh_terms: D004431:Ear, External / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013536:Suture Techniques
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes