I have fat earlobes. How much would it cost to have surgery to fix them?

Question

I'm a male with big/fat earlobes and not that big of an ear, which makes my earlobes look even bigger. I don't want to reduce the size of my ear just earlobe reduction, I've always had fat earlobes and would like to get them reduced. What's the surgery name and what's the average cost?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Earlobe reduction is a surgery I love to do.  It requires careful measurements and the patients are always very grateful.  I typically charge 750 per earlobe.  Hope that 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

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe Surgery Newport Beach

Earlobe reduction and repair

Split earlobes, torn earlobes,
earlobe plug holes, and earlobe reduction

Who is a candidate?

How much does this cost?

Earlobe reduction usually cost
between  $500 and $1500 dollars depending
upon the complexity of the correction, the surgeons experience, and city in
which the surgery is being performed. Geographic costs can be found on Real Self
or the websites for the American Society of plastic surgeons for the American
Society of aesthetic plastic surgery

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.You may be able to find a doctor who will do this under insurance but i am not aware of any.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. Shop around in your area and see if you can find a plastic surgeon in your budget

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your concerns with your earlobes. I would recommend visiting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss what they can do to help reduce the size and thickness of your earlobes. Several approaches can be made whether it is shortening the overall  earlobe footprint, or simply making an incision and removing some of the tissue to debulk the earlobe. A lot of this can be discussed in your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Reducing the fat earlobe requires a different technique than that to repair a split or reduce its size. Prices should range between $600 and $800 depending on the surgeon.Please use this information to consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.