Ear lobe reduction: what are the risks? (photo)

Question

Male, age 70. Would like to improve esthetics of saggy ear lobes. How predictable is this soft tissue surgery? What are the different techniques used? What is risk of scarring or worse deformity?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I prefer to reduce earlobes by drawing out what you want the new ear lobe to look like. Then cut off the excess and suture skin along the edge. Others do either a wedge of multiple flaps which place a scar on the earlobe where is can be seen. Also don't pay a lot for this  2 to 3 thousand

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Earlobe reshaping can be performed under local anesthesia in your doctor’s office. The procedure removes tissue and the results tend to be highly predictable and satisfying. Typical risks are association with the procedure, such as infection, over correction and excessive swelling however these are rare when post-op instructions, as provided to you by your surgeon, are followed. To improve a positive outcome, please see a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in cosmetic ear surgery.

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

Ear lobe reduction: what are the risks? (photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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

Ear lobe reduction: what are the risks? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ear Surgery

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