Any suggestion for someone to repair my earlobe. I have stretched lobes and my left ear has become dangerously thin. (photo)

Question

I believe my problem is from stretching too quickly and not being completely up to date with knowledge on stretching ear lobes. My left ear is very thin to the point of tearing completely I would like to get it fixed before it tears I do plan on re stretching and would like to preserve as much space as possible and i would just like one ear reconstructed. I also work for upmc so I have insurance. I have seen prices from 300-900 I would like the lowest cost of course. Please help

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This is an interesting problem you present with. There is certainly an imminent risk of your lobe rupturing if you continue to stretch it, but there will also be a risk even if it is repaired as scar tissue is never as strong as normal skin. This correction can be done, but it needs to be done properly if you want to re-stretch later. Simply cutting the thin part out and sewing the two edges together is not likely to hold in the long run, and I would think at the lower end of the cost scale you've mentioned that would be all they are offering. While there is always a range for prices of procedures (and the most expensive is not necessarily the best) be particularly weary of discount surgery as someone who is coming in significantly less than anyone else has to be cutting corners somewhere to make it affordable for them to offer such a low price. Remember, surgery is like anything else you might buy - you get what you pay for!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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 multilayered 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.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

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

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would say you have three choices in dealing with your stretched earlobe.  First, you could leave it alone, but you would not be able to stretch it further as this would most likely cause a tear.  Second, you could have the thin part removed and the ends put together, but again, you would not be able to stretch it further as this would likely lead to a tear.  Third, you could have the entire earlobe repaired and closed, but stretching it later would most likely lead to a tear again.  It would be possible to pierce the ear however, if you had it closed first.

Any suggestion for someone to repair my earlobe. I have stretched lobes and my left ear has become dangerously thin. (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Repair of stretched earlobe

Answer: Repair of stretched earlobe

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Everything you need to know about Earlobe Repair

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Any suggestion for someone to repair my earlobe. I have stretched lobes and my left ear has become dangerously thin. (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Repair of stretched earlobe

Answer: Repair of stretched earlobe

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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.