We commonly see patients whose pierced ears have developed an enlarged opening. When an earring is inserted, the hole opens, dangles, and is visible. Sometimes the skin pulls through, creating a cleft. Most of these patients are women, and the repair is a fairly simple office procedure. Costs average under $300 per earlobe. But we also see earlobes that have been 'gauged', and the holes get quite large with the jewelry. Most of these patients are men, and decide their 'gauging days' are over so request a repair to close the defect. This surgery can be a bit more challenging, is usually a local office procedure, and costs may be $600-800. In both cases the final result typically heals nicely and is improved.