Does ear cartilage grow back?

Once the cartilage in the ear is shattered or fragmented, it does not grow back. Piercings in the upper quadrant or rim of the ear typically inflict this sort of damage, especially if high pressure such as from a piercing gun is applied.

When damage to the ear is significant, a type of reconstructive surgery called otoplasty repairs injury caused by trauma, disease, and congenital defect or malformation. Skin grafts are applied to repair or replace the damaged or missing ear piece, or even the whole ear, if necessary. When this is impractical, doctors fit prosthetic replacements for use instead.