How Much Does Earlobe Repair Cost?

The average cost of earlobe repair surgery is $1,225, but it can range as high as $2,900, according to hundreds of recent reviews on RealSelf. 

Also called earlobe reconstruction, lobe rejuvenation, or a lobe lift, this procedure can permanently correct:

• split or torn earlobes caused by heavy earrings or other trauma 
• stretched earlobes, including large holes caused by ear gauging
• keloid scarring at a piercing site
• deformities or asymmetries 
• pointed lobes (due to genetics or a tight facelift)

Earlobe reduction surgery can also make large earlobes appear smaller. 

Read on to find out what to look for in a provider’s price quote, why earlobe repair surgery costs vary, if insurance covers it, and whether real patients think it was worth the money.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Earlobe Repair

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What does the cost include?

During your consultation, ask for an all-in price quote that includes: 

• The surgeon’s fee
• The facility fee, if this outpatient procedure will be performed somewhere other than their office
• The cost of local anesthesia and any surgical supplies
• Aftercare and follow-up visits

Also ask if you’ll need to purchase any recovery supplies, like antibiotic ointments or over-the-counter pain medications.

Is earlobe repair surgery worth the money?

Patients who reviewed their earlobe repair results on RealSelf give the procedure an impressive 96% Worth It Rating. 

Many of those who say it was “Worth It” note that this reconstructive surgery boosted their confidence. Others report that the surgery itself is quick and painless (thanks to local anesthesia), and there was no downtime involved. Several relay how happy they are to be able to wear earrings again.

Of the reviewers who rated their procedure "Not Worth It," most cited asymmetry after the procedure or unhappiness with their chosen plastic surgeon. While earlobe repair is less invasive than other types of plastic surgery, complications like infection, scarring, uneven contours, or notching of the lobes can arise. 

The best way to help ensure that your investment will be worth it is to find an experienced surgeon who regularly performs lobe lifts and repairs—and has a solid track record of happy patient reviews.

RealSelf Tip: While earlobe repair is the only permanent way to fix overstretched or torn earlobes, injectable dermal fillers can temporarily add volume, plumping them up and making them appear firmer and less saggy. By reinflating the lobes, these hyaluronic acid gels provide a nice cushion for earrings, so they’re more visible. If you’re a good candidate for this option, you could save a few hundred dollars in the short term. Just keep in mind that you’d need maintenance treatments to keep up your results, which can quickly become more expensive than a surgical solution.

Why does the cost of earlobe repair vary?

These are the biggest factors that will affect your earlobe repair cost. 

1) The credentials and expertise of your provider 

Having this procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or dermatologic surgeon who has ample experience fixing earlobe damage will likely be more costly than one who has less training, is at an earlier stage in their career, or who has less experience in earlobe shaping and repair.

While this seems like a relatively simple procedure, the lobes are very visible, so poor results are difficult to hide. 

It’s important to find a provider who has a solid track record of positive patient reviews, as well as an extensive before and after photo gallery showing good results with patients who had similar concerns as your own. 

2) Their practice location

As with other types of cosmetic surgery, earlobe repair costs more in major metro areas, due to higher costs of living. 

Prices can even vary by ZIP code, neighborhood, or practice size. You can expect higher price quotes from surgeons with upscale practices, compared to those who run a more basic operation.

Some doctors on RealSelf offer free consultations, which can make it easier to compare personalized cost quotes from providers in different locations. 

3) The complexity of your procedure

Earlobe repair is a common procedure, but its complexity (and the time involved) depends on the condition of your lobes and desired results.

Surgeons typically charge per earlobe, and it’s possible that one lobe will need more work than the other. 

Earlobe repair surgeries performed to correct stretched, torn, or split earlobes can be straightforward or very challenging. Minor holes that have stretched or a clean tear in the lobe may be simple to stitch up, falling on the lower end of the price spectrum. 

Procedures aiming to treat keloid scar tissue or address deformities are more nuanced and expensive.

"Gauged ears are sometimes more difficult than other earlobe repairs, since the tissue is so over stretched, but we're still able to create a natural looking earlobe," says Dr. Elliot Heller, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City. 

The more time your provider spends on your procedure, the higher your earlobe repair cost. 

4) Whether you have any complementary surgical procedures at the same time

It's not uncommon to pair this procedure with otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) to change the overall appearance of the ears or reduce their projection. This can add thousands of dollars to your total bill, but some surgeons will discount their fee for the second procedure, so you may save by combining them in a single operation. 

Rejuvenating thin earlobes with dermal filler following a surgical repair could also add several hundred dollars to your final bill.

Plastic surgeons frequently offer to re-pierce their earlobe repair patients, once the lobe has healed. A new piercing—along with the ear piercing jewelry—will probably come with additional charges.

When you get your initial price quote, make sure it factors in any add-ons you may want.

Is earlobe repair covered by insurance?

Insurance companies typically cover earlobe surgery in cases they deem medically necessary: repairs to correct a deformity or congenital defect, or immediately following damage from a trauma. In such cases, you’d only be responsible for the co-pay.

Strictly cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance.  

"It's best to talk to your insurance company to know exactly which conditions it will cover," says Dr. Nick Masri, a plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. "You may also ask your cosmetic surgeon to write a letter to your insurance company, explaining the nature of the surgery."

If you’re denied coverage but still want to have the procedure, ask your provider whether they offer monthly payment plans or accept financing options. Most cosmetic surgery practices have a range of payment options to make procedures like this one more affordable.

Earlobe repair costs in U.S. states

Browse the average cost of earlobe repair in select U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. As of July 2023, Florida had the cheapest average cost (as reported by patients), while California was the most expensive. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

Earlobe repair costs in major U.S. metros

Average costs according to patient-reported data, as of July 2023. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.