How long does it take for the scar line to fade after earlobe reconstruction surgery?

At 4-5 weeks your scars are still quite immature.  Scar remodelling continues for one year post-operatively, meaning that your scars will continue to soften, fade, and become more subtle in appearance over this time period.  I recommend scar massage several times daily - which may help soften the underlying scar - as well as sunscreen (SPF 15) to minimize UV exposure as the scar fades.If you have any concerns regarding significant scar thickening or itchiness, I recommend following up with your surgeon for reassessment on an urgent basis.  There is a low but potential risk of keloid scarring, which may require further treatment (most commonly steroid injections).  Keloids are abnormally thick scars that extend beyond the original wound margins.  They are more common in patients of African American or Asian background, however may occur in all patients.  When they occur, the earlobe is a common site.  This does not sound like a concern in your case, but just something for others to watch out for following earlobe surgery.Best, Stephanie Power MD, FRCSC

Earlobe repair is a common procedure in our plastic surgery office. I employ a technique that involves removing the excess scar tissue and reapproximating the tissue planes in multiple layers to recontour the earlobe after gauges, torn earlobes, or stretched out earlobes. Sometimes, the same procedure is used to restore contour to a pixie ear after facelift surgery or facial surgery. Gauge correction is a popular treatment. Insurance typically does not cover the procedure in California, but it all depends on your insurance policy. Costs are typically between six hundred dollars and one thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the repair. Pixie ear repair involves correction of the facelift flap and is a more complex procedure that requires anesthesia. Aftercare for earlobe repair involves proper wound care, Plato’s Scar Serum at least twice daily, with repiercing of the earlobe if requested, in 6 weeks. It is best to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure and help with scars in the post-procedure period. Plato’s Scar Serum, wound care, and Neosporin are used.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Normally most scars fade at around 6 months and it really depends on how well and how fast your skin type heals and how fast the pigment goes away.  Be patient, it will fade by 6 months.