How much will it cost for a torn helix repair on my ear? (photos)

Question

My helix only got torn a little bit as you can see in the photo right at the edge it happened where my cartilage piercing was. I do not not how my cartilage piercing did that I think it started moving on its own. But I want know how much it will cost to get fixed.

Daniel Butz, MD · Answer

This would likely cost between 500-800$ and could be performed in the office under local anesthesia. There would be minimal downtime and you could expect to work the next day. 
Your injury is a little different than the traditional ear lobe repair but shouldn't be overly complicated. 
Make sure to see a plastic surgeon who is familiar with working with ear cartilage. 
Hope this helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

The  repair of the torn or stretched ear lobe or helix is a great procedure that can restore the ear lobe or helix to a “normal” appearance".  Care must be taken during this procedure to avoid reducing the size of the ear and/or creating a notch/ depressed appearance in the area of the rim of the ear lobe.   It is usually done under local anesthesia with very high patient satisfaction rates. Costs of surgery range from $500-$1000  for both ears, in our practice.  Best wishes.

Eric W. Cerrati, MD · Answer

Fortunately, this injury is easily repaired in the office.  It would require a few tiny shots to numb the area, and then about 20 minutes or so to do the repair.  Pricing on surgeries and in-office procedures will vary depending on geographic location and the experience of the surgeon.  Best of luck.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

you can expect it to take about 30 minutes in the plastic surgeons office. fees will vary be different areas in the country. you can return to work immediately afterwards,david berman md

How much will it cost for a torn helix repair on my ear? (photos)

Answers (5)

More Earlobe Repair Questions

I need both ear lobes repaired as they have stretched out from heavy earrings. Inquiring about prices.

Infected ear for over 6 months with large bump inside the piercing.

What does an earlobe reduction cost?

I have big earlobes. Is there any way I can make them smaller without surgeries?

How high is the risk of earlobe keloids if I already have one keloid scar?

How much does it cost to have one earring hole repaired?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS