Is there an inexpensive way to get an earlobe (gauged ears) surgery? (photos)

Question

i would like to ask if there's an inexpensive way to get this done. because i asked one doctor and they gave me a price of $1200 for both ears in dallas, tx area. i don't have that kind of money and don't have insurance. i just need a new career in the military and i guess i was just young and stupid basically. i will post pictures and hopefully i could get an estimate. the first picture is the left ear and the second is the right ear

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and your photo.  We have been seeing quite a few of these in the office.  We can usually do this procedure in the office under local anesthesia.  The patient returns to the office a week later for suture removal.  The costs will vary geographically.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist, (ENT).  They will evaluate your individual situation, and together you will make a plan.Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLas Vegas Plastic Surgery

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

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

The cost you were quoted is pretty typical for repair of both ear lobes by a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon in an urban area. You may be able to find someone to do it less expensively, but I always recommend looking for a surgeon who is highly trained and highly skilled in any particular procedure rather than searching based on cost alone.
Keep in mind that with a procedure like this (and any procedure), the cost of the procedure usually includes the supplies, sutures, staff, surgeon's time, consultation visit, and follow up visits.
All the best,

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Earlobe repair is a very common procedure. Frequently, we have patients who will have the procedure done the same day as the consultation. Typically, the cost is between $450-850 per earlobe, depending on the severity and the length of the procedure. The length of time the ears have been gauged should have no effect on the procedure. As long as the tissue is no longer irritated or inflamed, there is no reason not to give it a try. Gauged ears are sometimes more difficult than some other earlobe repairs since the tissue is so over stretched, but we are still able to create a natural looking earlobe.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

The price of $1,200 to repair two gauged earlobe piercings is a reasonable estimate. You may perhaps find a plastic surgeon in your area who would give you military discount. Best of luck to you!

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, the quote you received is actually very much in line with the average. The repair involves a lot of fine suturing and can be technically challenging. Many surgeons will offer payment plans, such as Care Credit. Best of luck moving forward.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

The  repair of the stretched ear lobe is a great procedure that can restore the ear lobe 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 (we have done it for significantly less, for patients like yourself who are planning on serving our country).  You will find many examples of this procedure performed on this website and on the attached link as well. Best wishes.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The cost will likely vary between $750 - 1500 for both ears but you can call offices in your area to determine the local cost. The good news is that repair of lobes that have been stretched to this size is typically highly successful. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Try leaving any gauges out for at least 2 months to give your skin a chance to shrink back down as much as possible. If they do not return to normal or what you had in mind, you can surgically repair the earlobe. A smaller hole will make this a smaller procedure. Look for another doctor in your area to see price differences. You will be able to re-pierce your ears 2-3 months after you have the earlobe repair done. Good luck, Dean Vistnes.