My earlobes are really stretched out and long. What I need to do?

Question

My earlobes are really stretched out. They look long and older. Do I need to remove the extra piece of lobe? What I need to do? My earlobes have become really long from heavy earrings. The earring hole is all stretched out. What can be done to fix it and what is the cost?

Julia Spears, MD · Answer

Hello. You can have your earlobes repaired. Most surgeons do this procedure in the office. The cost is approximately $600 per ear. This procedure can fix a split lobe or stretched and enlarged piercing holes. After you are fully healed from the procedure you can have your earlobes re-pierced. 
Best of luck!
Dr. Julia Spears MD

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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 multilayered 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.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a common procedure that most people don’t even know is an option.This can typically be done in the office under local anesthesia. Usually there are no drains, no outside stitches, and patients can go out in public the same day, although I usually recommend they low for the first couple days. Most of the initial swelling is from the numbing medicine and your body absorbs it within the first 4-6 hours. Obviously the body heals with swelling and inflammation and usually that maxes out at two days and then starts getting better. Most of these patients take no pain medicine and usually feel very comfortable going out in public within a few days.  I usually call my patients the night of surgery and check on them the next day. If everything is fine the next day, I then let them shower and they do not need a dressing over their incisions. They can usually start using make up after a few days.  At the two week check up, I usually have people start working out and then after six weeks they can do whatever they want. I routinely tell people to take a few days to a week off work and to hide out but some people are very nervous especially celebrities and I usually tell them to hide out for two weeks. As with any scar on the human body, initially scars are red, hard and raised and it typically takes six months to a year for them to become a soft thin white line. Additionally with recovery, there're many things we do to expedite healing such as nerve blocks during surgery, oral supplements, skin care and scar therapy recommendations, lymphatic massage sessions that are included in our pricing.I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of otoplasty and earlobe repair surgery.I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Correction of earlobes tend to be a very straightforward procedure that often will be done in the office under local anesthesia only.

Thomas J. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Based on the description, a minor surgery performed in the office can be performed to fix both the enlarged hole from the earrings and excess tissue causing droopy appearing earlobes.  You can often get new piercings 6 weeks after surgery, but I would recommend not using gauges or heavy earrings in the future.

Michael Hall, MD · Answer

Based on your description, you would be a candidate for earlobe repair/reduction.  This is a simple procedure which can be performed in the office with only local anesthesia.  The redundant or stretched skin of the ear lobe is excised and the lobe is sutured together creating a smaller, more natural appearance.  The piercing site can be incorporated in the incision if the piercing site is elongated to correct this as well.  I typically wait 6 weeks before re-piercing the ear.  Cost varies based on physician and extent of surgery.  I would estimate between $500 - $1000.

Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS · Answer

You would be a good candidate for earlobe repair/reduction.  This can be done under local anesthetic in the office.  This would address the elongated hole as well as the lobule length.  I usually recommend waiting for 3 months following repair to have your ears re-pierced.  I also recommend avoiding heavy, dangling earrings in the future.  Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, as we get older the earlobe can stretch out. Often a small trim along the lower border of the ear does the trick. The hole can be closed and reprieved after it heals.

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

Earlobes, which may have stretched with time, can be shortened with surgery performed under local anesthesia.  Stretched out earlobe holes can be closed at the same time and then re-pierced at a later date. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.Good luckElliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Ear lobe repair and reduction is a simple procedure that can be performed in the office under local anesthesia with no downtime after. Prices likely vary around the country so you would have to go for some consults locally to find out what the prevailing cost is in your area

My earlobes are really stretched out and long. What I need to do?

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