Is there a procedure to flatten the earlobe or helical rim?

Question

I have attached photos of my ears as well as photos of the "ideal" ears I'd like to have. In the "ideal" photos, the women have flat earlobes. On my ears, my earlobes appear to have a curve to it, which makes it look a little weird when I wear stud earrings.  I know that with ear pinning surgery, you can make the top of the ears "lay flat" against the head, but I wasn't sure if there is a procedure that could make the earlobe part flat as well. Would it be possible?

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

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi bumblebean

Otoplasty (ear reshaping) is a cosmetic procedure that helps to recontour the size, position, and shape of the ears to result in a normal appearance. This procedure can also address torn earlobes or ears that have been damaged due to injury or trauma. To learn more about this procedure, please visit our website.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Your earlobes appear to be just one of many variations of the earlobes in humans and considered to be normal. A true unusual feature of your ears is additional 3rd ridge inside of your concha. My recommendation would be to do nothing. Good luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Earlobes that stick out too far can easily be set back. However I don’t see the need in your case.. also there is a clamp like device that can put pressure on your line and flatten it. They are pressure earring made by Delasco. But again I don’t see the need.

Is there a procedure to flatten the earlobe or helical rim?

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Answer: Earlobes

Answer: Earlobes

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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Is there a procedure to flatten the earlobe or helical rim?

Answers (4)

Answer: Earlobes

Answer: Earlobes

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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.