Can a stretched ear lobe be fixed by just cutting off part of the earlobe?

Question

If one's ears are well-shaped but the earlobes have stretched, can this be fixed by just artfully cutting off part of the earlobe? What does something like that cost, if it can be done by a board certified plastic doctor?

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

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

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

I dedicate a significant portion of my plastic surgery practice to earlobe surgery. I routinely treat many stretched earlobe conditions for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes it is from aging or genetics, other times it may be after wearing heaving earrings or trauma, or even wearing gauge earrings that stretch the earlobe holes to varying sizes.  I believe in creating an aesthetic earlobe that matches the upper and middle thirds of the ear.  When I repair a "stretched" earlobe, most of the time there is some degree of redundant tissue excess that needs to be removed in order to achieve an earlobe "lift" and shape change. This is a very common procedure I do in my office under local anesthesia. I hope that is helpful.  I do recommend finding a board-certified plastic surgeon that frequently performs earlobe lifts, reductions, and repairs.  Good luck!

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

If your ear is small then taking more lobe tissue off may result in an earlobe which is visibly too small so your doctor will gauge the amount of tissue that is expendable (can be removed without causing an unattractive result) and do what is appropriate to match the both sides.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a common procedure that most people don’t even know is an option.This can typically be done in the office under local anesthesia. Usually there are no drains, no outside stitches, and patients can go out in public the same day, although I usually recommend they low for the first couple days. Most of the initial swelling is from the numbing medicine and your body absorbs it within the first 4-6 hours. Obviously the body heals with swelling and inflammation and usually that maxes out at two days and then starts getting better. Most of these patients take no pain medicine and usually feel very comfortable going out in public within a few days.  I usually call my patients the night of surgery and check on them the next day. If everything is fine the next day, I then let them shower and they do not need a dressing over their incisions. They can usually start using make up after a few days.  At the two week check up, I usually have people start working out and then after six weeks they can do whatever they want. I routinely tell people to take a few days to a week off work and to hide out but some people are very nervous especially celebrities and I usually tell them to hide out for two weeks. As with any scar on the human body, initially scars are red, hard and raised and it typically takes six months to a year for them to become a soft thin white line. Additionally with recovery, there're many things we do to expedite healing such as nerve blocks during surgery, oral supplements, skin care and scar therapy recommendations, lymphatic massage sessions that are included in our pricing.I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of otoplasty and ear reduction surgery.I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Photographs or an examination of you would be needed to determine what sort of earlobe reduction might be of benefit to you.  If someone has an enlarged earlobe, it is possible to reduce the size with surgery.  If the earlobe was stretched with gauges, it is possible to close the hole that is formed.  It is really up to the surgeon to determine the best method to accomplish the surgery.

Matthew S. Epstein, DDS · Answer

This is a very simple repair that can be performed with local anesthesia. The price range depends on the degree of ear lobe repair, but tends to be very reasonable compared to other cosmetic surgeries. Expect little pain after the procedure which should take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the complexity.