I have Humana Insurance with Medicare. My earlobe is torn, not stretched. Can I get it fixed through my insurance in Ocala, FL?

Question

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Ear lobe repair is considered a cosmetic treatment unlikely to be covered by insurance. Ear lobe repairs are usually under $2,000 and non-emergent if you would like to take time and save for the procedure. Good luck

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for the question.
It is difficult to answer your question without seeing the photo, but typically torn/split earlobe can be easily repaired at the office under local anesthesia. The procedure usually takes less than 1 hour and there is minimal discomfort afterwards.
If torn earlobe happened due to trauma, the repair can sometimes be fully covered through insurance. 
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

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

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

In most cases, repair of a split earlobe is considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by your insurance plan.  Most surgeons will be happy to share copies of their procedure notes and pre operative photographs should you opt to submit a claim to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

I have Humana Insurance with Medicare. My earlobe is torn, not stretched. Can I get it fixed through my insurance in Ocala, FL?

Answers (4)

Answer: Insurance Coverage for Split Earlobe

Answer: Insurance Coverage for Split Earlobe

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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.

I have Humana Insurance with Medicare. My earlobe is torn, not stretched. Can I get it fixed through my insurance in Ocala, FL?

Answers (4)

Answer: Insurance Coverage for Split Earlobe

Answer: Insurance Coverage for Split Earlobe

Browse related questions

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.