Will my medical insurance pay for ear lobe surgery?

Question

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

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

In my experience, it would be unusual for medical insurance companies to pay for ear lobe surgery barring unusual circumstances. Best to check with your specific insurance/policy for accurate information. Best wishes.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

There is only one way to find out and that is to have your chosen surgeon's office seek prior authorization for the procedure. If the issue that an ear ring tore your earlobe after some trauma, you might be in luck. If the issue is improvement of sagging lobes or repair of gauged piercings, the surgery likely will not be covered. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It really depends upon the circumstances surrounding your ear problem and your insurance coverage. If not it is self-pay.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

The question is , does the condition cause any health problem? if the answer is no, then it is not covered by the insurance. And that is true for any procedure. Also a complication of a non-covered (cosmetic) procedure is not covered.Samir Shureih MD.FACSsshureih@msn.com

Will my medical insurance pay for ear lobe surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Medical insurance and earlobe repair

Answer: Medical insurance and earlobe repair

Answer: Ear lobe surgery

Answer: Ear lobe surgery

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will my medical insurance pay for ear lobe surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Medical insurance and earlobe repair

Answer: Medical insurance and earlobe repair

Answer: Ear lobe surgery

Answer: Ear lobe surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.