Will my daughter's ears shrink from 10 gauge back to normal size?

Question

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question,It is unlikely that your daughter's earlobes with shrink back to a normal size. You can take a wait and see approach for a few weeks. If no improvement occurs I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for consult and treatment.Hope this helps

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  The earlobes will shrink without the plugs.  To what extent you will have to wait and see.  I feel by 6 weeks you will get a good idea of the end result.  I have patients remove the plugs for about 4-6 weeks to allow for the earlobe to contract and then do the repair.

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

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Chances are that your daughter's earlobes will reduce in size but not to its original form.  Corrective surgery may be needed to repair the hole and resize the earlobe.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is highly unlikely that a stretched earlobe will resolve on its own, especially once it has gotten to that size. This can be corrected but will need a small procedure. The only way to know for sure is to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to see what your options are. Best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A 10 gage device is fairly small in the ear, and given enough time without it, it should shrink in size for your daughter. It will likely not go completely away as normal skin has healed throughout the length of the dilation and normal outer skin will not close on normal outer skin.  This can be remedied with a small in-office procedure, however, if that is something she would be interested in having performed.  Hope this helps.

Ronald Friedman, MD · Answer

Just as the earlobes will stretch in the presence of gauges, they will contract (to some extent) in the absence of gauges.  It makes sense to remove the gauges for a month or two prior to considering gauged earlobe repair.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello TLCross17,When the gauges are removed you will likely see the earlobe begin to shrink.  However, it would be very unlikely that the ear would return to a normal size.  If your daughter is interested in a more normal size ear then surgical correction would be the recommendation.  She should consult with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon to get a quote and provide specific recommendations.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Ears do not usually shrink back down with large gauges.  I usually do have patients remove them for about 6 weeks before reconstructing them to see if any shrinkage occurs.