Earrings after earlobe reduction? (Photo)

Question

I was born with naturally larger earlobes. I’d like to get them reduced. My current piercings are not torn or stretched by any means it’s only a personal improvement I’d like to make to reduce the overall size. After I heal post earlobe reduction surgery can I go back to wearing large hoops again? Or will my lobe always be too weak for anything beyond stubs? Or if I pierce in an area from the incision line will it be as strong as my natural lobes are now?? Thanks!

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

In general, the scar tissue that forms following earlobe repair or reduction will not be as tough as your natural skin. Some women will feel comfortable going back into hoop or other large earrings, however many will stick to smaller, lighter earrings to make sure it does not tear through. You will need to wait at least 6 weeks before wearing regular earrings again, and sometimes as long as 12 weeks.

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
Realself100 surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Once you’ve recovered from your surgery, it would be possible to wear any type of earrings you’d like.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

We usually pierce the ears in our office 6 weeks following the procedure and are careful not to pierce along the incision line.  You will be able to wear hoops again if you wish.

Reza Nassab, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

You will be able to pierce the earlobes again following an earlobe reduction. I would recommend that you leave the re-piercing until about 3 months following the procedure.

Earrings after earlobe reduction? (Photo)

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