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Overview

Earlobe repair surgery is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to restore the appearance of damaged or stretched earlobes. People typically seek this treatment to address issues caused by trauma, aging, or the long-term use of heavy earrings, which can result in torn, elongated, or split earlobes. Additionally, some individuals undergo this surgery to reverse the effects of ear gauges or plugs, which can leave noticeable holes in the earlobe. The primary goal of earlobe repair is to reconstruct the earlobe to achieve a natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance to restore confidence and allow individuals to comfortably wear earrings again, if desired.

Summary

Procedure time
30-60 minutes
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Hospital or In-Office
In-office
Anesthetic
Anesthetic
Local anesthesia
Recovery time
Recovery time
1-2 weeks for initial healing; full recovery in 4-6 weeks

Surgical Options

  • Direct Closure: Direct closure is a simple technique used for small tears or holes. In this technique, a surgeon freshens the edges of the tear and sutures them together directly. 
  • Z-Plasty: For larger tears or stretched lobes, the Z-plasty technique creates a Z-shaped incision to redistribute tension and minimize scarring.
  • Wedge Excision: This technique is often employed for elongated lobes or large gauges and involves removing a wedge-shaped piece of tissue before closing the gap.

 

 

  • Tissue Flap: In cases of complex repairs or significant tissue loss, our surgeons may use tissue flap techniques, which utilize nearby tissue to reconstruct the earlobe.
  • Earlobe Reduction: For individuals with oversized or elongated earlobes, earlobe reduction removes excess tissue to create a smaller, more proportionate lobe. 
  • Two-Stage Repair: A two-stage repair is sometimes necessary for very large gauges or extensive damage. With this approach, a surgeon will first close the hole and then refine the shape after initial healing in a second procedure.
Am I a

Candidate?

Earlobe repair surgery can be used to correct a range of aesthetic concerns. Ideal candidates for this surgery include: 
  • Individuals with torn earlobes from trauma or accidents
  • People with stretched or elongated earlobes due to heavy earrings
  • Those with split earlobes from gradual tearing
  • Individuals who want to reverse the effects of ear gauges or plugs
  • People with congenital earlobe deformities
  • Those unhappy with the size or shape of their earlobes
  • Individuals without active infections in the ear area
  • Individuals with good overall health and realistic expectations
Surgeon-meeting-with-patient

Consultation

Consultations for fat grafting are available at all Plastic Surgery Center locations. The best surgical plan for you will depend on various personal and medical factors. With this in mind, our world-class surgeons will review your medical history and discuss your ideal surgical outcomes to make personalized recommendations. We can also provide simulated images of your desired results with computer-assisted technology.

Questions
about this procedure?

What to Expect

During earlobe repair surgery, you can expect a relatively quick and straightforward procedure. One of our surgeons will first clean the area and mark the earlobe to plan the incision. Local anesthesia is then administered to numb the earlobe, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the area is numb, your surgeon will begin the repair using the technique best suited to your specific case.

The actual surgical process typically involves removing any damaged tissue, reshaping the earlobe as needed, and carefully suturing the incision closed. Depending on the extent of the repair, your surgeon may use dissolvable or removable sutures. The entire procedure usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes per earlobe. After the surgery, your surgeon will apply a small dressing or ointment to protect the repaired area. 

Patients are typically able to leave the office immediately after the procedure with aftercare instructions. Most individuals find the experience to be relatively painless and straightforward, with minimal discomfort during both the procedure and recovery.

Recovery &
Results

Recovery

After your earlobe repair surgery at The Plastic Surgery Center, you can expect a relatively quick and comfortable recovery process. For the first few days, you may experience some mild swelling, redness, and tenderness around the treated area. These symptoms are normal and should subside within a week. We recommend keeping the surgical site clean and dry, applying any prescribed ointments as directed, and avoiding touching or manipulating the earlobe. You'll be able to return to most of your daily activities immediately, but we advise against strenuous exercise or activities that could potentially impact the earlobe for about two weeks. If non-dissolvable sutures were used, you'll return to our office for their removal, typically within 7-14 days after the procedure.

 

Results

The results of your earlobe repair will be visible immediately, though the final appearance will continue to improve as swelling subsides and healing progresses. Most patients achieve full recovery within 4-6 weeks. At this point, your earlobe should appear natural and well-proportioned to your ear and overall facial features. Many of our patients report increased confidence and satisfaction with their appearance following the procedure. While you may be eager to wear earrings again, we recommend waiting at least six weeks or until we give you clearance during your follow-up appointment. 

Our

Surgeons

The expert surgical team at The Plastic Surgery Center has extensive experience performing earlobe repair surgery. Our world-class surgeons, recognized for their exceptional skills and innovative techniques, combine artistry and precision to deliver natural-looking results in our state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care throughout your earlobe repair journey.

Hamid Abdollahi
PHYSICIAN

Hamid Abdollahi

MD, FACS
Russell Ashinoff
PHYSICIAN

Russell Ashinoff

MD, FACS
Kari L.  Colen
PHYSICIAN

Kari L. Colen

MD, FACS
Sean Herman
PHYSICIAN

Sean Herman

MD, FACS
Matthew  Kaufman
PHYSICIAN

Matthew Kaufman

MD, FACS
Ahmed Nasser
PHYSICIAN

Ahmed Nasser

MD
Tushar Patel
PHYSICIAN

Tushar Patel

MD, FACS
Michael Rose
PHYSICIAN

Michael Rose

MD, FACS
Adam Saad
PHYSICIAN

Adam Saad

MD, FACS
Tzvi Small
PHYSICIAN

Tzvi Small

MD, FACS
Hakan Usal
PHYSICIAN

Hakan Usal

MD

Financing & Insurance

Earlobe repair surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by insurance. If you want to learn more about estimated costs and coverage, don't hesitate to contact our dedicated support staff at 833-615-2621.

Our Process

01
schedule
Schedule a Consultation

During your consultation, our expert surgeons will listen and work with you to fully understand the look you wish to achieve.

02
explore-options
Explore
Your Options

We will review and explain all of your cosmetic options and identify which procedure is right for you.

03
transforamation
Start Your Transformation

Our friendly and compassionate staff and physicians will guide you through the entire process, answer all of your questions and alleviate any concerns.

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Map of Locations

Earlobe Repair Near Me

Abington 2701 Blair Mill Road, Suite 10 Willow Grove, PA 19090
Westwood 260 Old Hook Rd, Suite 304 Westwood, NJ 07675

Financing & Insurance

Plastic surgery is an investment. Our dedicated staff is happy to help patientsnavigate insurance coverage and understand the costs and financing of care.

Financing Insurance-min

Request a Consultation

Ready to restore your earlobes and renew your confidence? Schedule your personalized earlobe repair consultation with our expert surgeons today and take the first step towards a refreshed, natural look. 

Natural Beauty