How much would it cost to repair a torn earlobe? Is there any insurance that cover this expense? (photo)

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

Ear Lobe surgery cost varies significantly for a number of good reasons: Prices vary greatly because the surgery itself encompasses a wide range of techniques that can be performed to different extents. My recommendation is to first find the most qualified surgeons where you want the surgery performed that are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Facial Plastic Surgeon you trust, then compare prices between them. See the below link on suggestions on how to find the most qualified plastic surgeon for your procedure. General Factors that influence the price of plastic surgery include:1. Location - Most procedures will be performed in a doctor’s office where costs can be contained. If not will it be performed in a hospital or an independent out- patient facility? Geographical location also has a significant influence. RealSelf has average charges for most areas of the USA.2. Type of Anesthesia – local anesthesia is typical and less costly. If IV sedation or General Anesthesia is used: Will a board certified anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, or an RN be used? 3. Experience and training of your surgeon. The best and longest trained is most often a plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery 4. Length and Complexity of Surgery - how difficult will your surgery be and how long it will take, etc. #earlobesurgery#earloberepair#earloberepaircost

Hello, I think you would need to check with your insurer because coverage will likely vary depending on the region.  In my area this is not insured and there would be a cost.  It is generally in the range of $325-400 per earlobe.

We charge $500 for a single ear lobe repair, this includes consult, procedure and follow up. The procedure can be done at the time of the consult! Unfortunately it will be hard if not impossible to get this covered by insurance

What you have is a very common problem and can easily be addressed and repaired by a plastic surgeon.  Unless this was a traumatic earlobe laceration, insurance will NOT cover the expenses and it should cost between 250-1000 depending on your location.

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. You can get your ear re pierced about 6 weeks after and should be included in the pricing.

In general, this is not a procedure covered by insurance. That being said, I have seen this covered by insurance. the only word of caution I would throw out there is that occasionally the insurance company will "allow" a significant amount more for the procedure than you would have otherwise paid in cash on a cosmetic basis. If your deductible is high (and in most cases it is) you may be better off paying the cosmetic rate any way. Good luck!Dr. Harmych

Hi camilleh. Torn earlobe repairs can be done with a local anesthetic, with minimal recovery. Cost in my office is about -$400, depending upon the amount of work that needs to be done (repairs after gauges are removed and earlobe margin alignment are considerations). This price includes the new piercing that would likely be done several weeks to months later. Plastic Surgeons may be able to do your repair on the same day as your consultation, so be sure to ask when scheduling your appointment. Since there is no resulting medical problem from a torn earlobe, it will not be covered by insurance. good luck!

Ear lobe repair if due to a traumatic event or is bleeding or painful is typically covered by most insurance carriers. You can check your insurance company's policy statement on this.Please use this information to consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

Thank you for posting your picture. This is a common procedure performed by many plastic surgeons. The average price in Miami, FL is between $500-$900 depending if it is one side or both. This may vary based on your location. The procedure is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance in my experience. The procedure is performed in an office setting under local anesthesia. I usually allow 6-8 weeks of healing before re-piercing. I would prefer to do the re-piercing myself (is included in the price) to ensure the best location of the new earing and to try to position it away from the incision to prevent recurrence. Good luck!