What is the better procedure for earlobe reduction, surgical knife or laser? (Photo)

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multi-layered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Who is a candidate

#EarlobeReduction surgery as
requested five patients who have extensively large earlobes that may be large
from family traits, aging, the use of very large earrings or plugs, or previous
facial surgery.



What type of anesthesia is used

Generally these procedures are
performed under local anesthetic and require 15 to 30 minutes depending upon
how complex the particular case is.

Method;laser, knife, scissors can all be used.  its the experience of the surgeon that matters

While surgical and laser surgery may both be options for your earlobe surgery, most experts would perform earlobe surgery using standard surgical techniques and not a laser. I hope that helps! Good luck!Dr. Harmych

The best results are typically from surgery but it looks as if you have a nice shape and size. I would see a surgeon for a cosmetic consultation and evaluate the area for a proper long term treatment plan.  Best, Dr. Emer. 

I feel that the best method for earlobe reduction is a surgical one.  In the case of the use of a laser for the procedure, the surgeon is using the laser to cut the skin and soft tissues instead of a knife.  While that seems very "advanced," there may be a disadvantage to the laser as it burns the skin and soft tissue as it cuts - potentially causing worse healing.  Whatever method you opt for, it is important that you consider a few very important things for your earlobe reduction:Choose a board certified plastic surgeon that has experience with this procedurePay close attention to wound care instructions after surgeryDo not smoke or use tobacco productsThis is a great procedure with immediate results.  I wish you the best!Dr. Gabbay

There's nothing wrong with using a CO2 laser to create the incisions. It does minimize any potential bleeding but so does local anesthetic with adrenaline and cautery. I choose to use a scalpel as I think the incisions are more precise than with the laser. In the end, the incisions from an earlobe reduction are hidden on the back of the earlobe itself and not visible. I would defer to the technique favored by your chosen surgeon. If they do a great job it shouldn't make a difference whether they use a laser or surgical steel. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

I perform earlobe reduction surgery quite frequently.  The procedure is performed with local anesthesia (lidocaine) in the office and takes about 45 minutes per ear.  There are two possible techniques:

1. Edge excision: This is the usual procedure.  It involves drawing a line exactly marking the new desired earlobe size and shape.  All tissue outside this line is removed, and the remaining skin edges are repaired, leaving a scar along the edge of the earlobe (facing neither forward nor backward) where it is generally well-concealed.  Internal sutures dissolve on their own.  The external sutures are removed about 2 weeks later.  

2. Wedge excision: This involves a vertical incision along the earlobe, leaving a vertical scar that may be more visible.  It is useful for patients who are interested in simultaneous repair of a torn earlobe or who have an attached earlobe (meaning that there is no skin hanging below the ear-cheek junction).  Suture management is the same as above.

All bandages are present for less than 24 hours.  If desired, the earlobes may be repierced at the same time. Cost for earlobe reduction is $1050 for the first earlobe and $1950 for both earlobes, as this is a much more involved procedure than simple earlobe repair.  I do not believe that the use of a laser would significantly enhance the outcome.