Can I get this fixed with a simple er trip?? (photos)

Question

I have 2 tears on my right ear. One came from a sporting event, I pulled my helmet off and it caught that earring & split my earring hole. The other, recently I noticed my cartilage to appear to be almost "dissolving" away. I figured maybe it's the wear of inexpensive earrings. And Wednesday night, I got home to notice my earring was literally hanging by a "thread" of my cartilage. I'd like to inquire about how it could be fixed and the price.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office repairs earlobes after a traumatic tear of earrings, gauge piercings, or after a facelift in which the earlobes are stretched. Earlobe surgery is composed of several techniques that can either repair torn earlobes (split earlobes) or correct overly redundant earlobe tissue from piercings or genetics or stretching. Our HIDEF earlobe repair includes a recontouring of the earlobe contour using multi-layered sutures to reapproximate the curvature of the earlobe; while simultaneously restoring contour to the ear. In patients with pixie ears after facelift surgery, an alternate technique is used to reduce the dependance of the earlobe on the facelift flap. Facelift surgery can reshape the earlobe and this requires restoration. Sutures are usually taken out within 10 days and the wound is repierced in 4-6 weeks thereafter. Keloid scars must be addressed in patients with known history for scarring.

Keloids are another major reason to undergo earlobe repair if there is a keloid scar nodule that has developed in the earlobe or ear cartilage rim. We use a combination of lasers, injections, and keloid surgery.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Ear Lobe surgery cost varies significantly for a number of good reasons: Prices vary greatly because the surgery itself encompasses a wide range of techniques that can be performed to different extents. My recommendation is to first find the most qualified surgeons where you want the surgery performed that are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Facial Plastic Surgeon you trust, then compare prices between them. See the below link on suggestions on how to find the most qualified plastic surgeon for your procedure. General Factors that influence the price of plastic surgery include:1. Location - Most procedures will be performed in a doctor’s office where costs can be contained. If not will it be performed in a hospital or an independent out- patient facility? Geographical location also has a significant influence. RealSelf has average charges for most areas of the USA.2. Type of Anesthesia – local anesthesia is typical and less costly. If IV sedation or General Anesthesia is used: Will a board certified anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, or an RN be used?  3. Experience and training of your surgeon. The best and longest trained is most often a plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery  4. Length and Complexity of Surgery - how difficult will your surgery be and how long it will take, etc. #earlobesurgery#earloberepair#earloberepaircost

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Earlobe repair is a very common procedure. Frequently, we have patients who will have the procedure done the same day as the consultation. Typically, the cost is between $450-850 per earlobe, depending on the severity and the length of the procedure.You may be able to find a doctor who will do this under insurance but i am not aware of any.The length of time the ears have been gauged should have no effect on the procedure. As long as the tissue is no longer irritated or inflamed, there is no reason not to give it a try. Gauged ears are sometimes more difficult than some other earlobe repairs since the tissue is so over stretched, but we are still able to create a natural looking earlobe. You can get your ear re pierced about 6 weeks after and should be included in the pricing. Shop around in your area and see if you can find a plastic surgeon in your budget

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is possible to repair your earlobes under local anesthesia in the office.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. Please seek an experienced facial plastic or plastic surgeon to repair your torn earlobes.  Unless it is a fresh cut, an ER will just make an appointment for you to see a surgeon as an outpatient as this is not an emergency.

Can I get this fixed with a simple er trip?? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Earlobe Repair

Answer: Earlobe Repair

Answer: Old torn earlobe repair is not an ER trip procedure

Answer: Old torn earlobe repair is not an ER trip procedure

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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Can I get this fixed with a simple er trip?? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Earlobe Repair

Answer: Earlobe Repair

Answer: Old torn earlobe repair is not an ER trip procedure

Answer: Old torn earlobe repair is not an ER trip procedure

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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.