Unattached earlobes post facelift - can they be reattached?

What you are referring to is an unfortunate complication of the Facelift surgery and is known as a Pixie deformity. It is absolutely possible to detach them however, you will have a linear or z-shaped scar on the medial aspect of the earlobe. As most earlobes will lose some volume during this procedure, it is recommended to follow up with serial injections of a dermal filler in order to slowly expand the earlobe.

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs. Certainly, the ears can be repositioned to look more natural. This can be done under local anesthesia.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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

Most plastic surgeons try to leave the earlobes unattached during a facelift, as having the earlobes attached and scarred down following a facelift can make them look unnatural. This is referred to as a "pixie ear" deformity. This is what your surgeon was trying to prevent. That being said, I would need to see a picture or, more likely, perform an in person exam, to tell you whether it is easily correctable or not.

It is hard to answer this question without viewing photos of the condition but in general, ear lobe issues that are noted postoperatively can many times be addressed with very simple procedures under local anesthesia to correct them. Obviously it is better to not have these issues in the first place and most surgeons take great pains to create nice looking earlobes. An ear lobe that is overly attached is not desired by most patients. Obviously this is just a choice and there are some patients that like very attached earlobes. Discuss this with your surgeon!