How much will it cost to close my stretched ear lobes? (Photo)

Question

I stretched my ear lobes up since I was 18 now im 23 I don't know what size they are now I think its an inch now since I took my gauges out. I stretched up to 1- 3/4. I want to get them closed and stitched up for future jobs and to look professional. I just signed up for medi-cal and I was wondering how much would it cost for my lobes?

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

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and your photo.  We have been seeing quite a few of these in the office.  We can usually do this procedure in the office under local anesthesia.  The patient returns to the office a week later for suture removal.  The costs will vary geographically.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist, (ENT).  They will evaluate your individual situation, and together you will make a plan.  The individual office may have payment plans, (i.e. CareCredit, etc.). A University Plastic Surgery Residency often will have a resident clinic.  The price is usually lower there.Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLas Vegas Plastic Surgery

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

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

What you have is a very common problem and can easily be addressed and 
repaired by a plastic surgeon.  Unless this was a traumatic earlobe 
laceration, insurance will NOT cover the expenses and it should cost 
between 250-1000 depending on your location.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

The cost of earlobe repair can from $400-$750 per earlobe, depending on the extent of work required.  For example, a simple cleft from a torn ear ring is quite simple to repair, but very large, stretched lobes from big plugs can take more time to 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. 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.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Yes, you appear to be a good candidate for earlobe repair.  Cost is going to vary in your geographic area.

To be sure, see two or more experienced, licensed
and certified providers for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good
candidate and that it is safe for you to have the procedure.

I hope this helps.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Stretched or gauged ear lobe repair cost depends on where you live and varies from office to office. For stretched ear lobe repair in your case, we'd charge around $600/side at our Seattle office. Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience closing stretched ear lobes to find out more!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

The  repair of the stretched ear lobe is a great procedure that can restore the ear lobe to a “normal” appearance".  Care must be taken during this procedure to avoid reducing the size of the air and/or creating a notch/ depressed appearance in the area of the rim of the ear lobe.   It is usually done under local anesthesia with very high patient satisfaction rates. Costs of surgery range from $500-$1000  for both ears, in our practice.  You will find many examples of this procedure performed on this website and on the attached link as well. Best wishes.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

Generally, this procedure costs between $500-1000 depending on the size of the defect (ie. gauged earlobes can be closer to $1000). Like any other procedure, the skill and experience level of the surgeon is important and complications may arise-seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. This is a very common procedure and can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. See my YouTube videos on the subject, search youtube for earlobe repair dr. sternberg. Good luck.