Is earlobe surgery covered by insurance? Earlobes are huge due to gauges.

Question

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian

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

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe Surgery Newport Beach

Earlobe reduction and repair

Split earlobes, torn earlobes,
earlobe plug holes, and earlobe reduction

Who is a candidate?

# #TornEarlobes can occur
when an earing is caught on something pulling it through the lobe. This will
result in a #SplitEarlobe or #CleftEarlobe.

The use of ear plugs and large
piercings create large holes which require reconstruction to reform a normal
appearing lobe.

How much does this cost?This may be paid by insurance for acute trauma

Earlobe reduction usually cost
between  $500 and $1500 dollars depending
upon the complexity of the correction, the surgeons experience, and city in
which the surgery is being performed. Geographic costs can be found on Real Self
or the websites for the American Society of plastic surgeons for the American
Society of aesthetic plastic surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Earlobe repair is usually not covered by insurance. It is considered a cosmetic procedure.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Gauged earlobe repair is not insurance covered procedure.  The procedures vary in cost but are usually performed in the office with local anesthesia which eliminates a hospital/surgery center fee.

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

In our experience, earlobe tears and stretching from earrings & gauges are not usually covered by health insurance plans.  We typically repair these in the office using local anesthesia using a cash price. By not using a surgery center  or hospital, this saves hundreds of dollars for our patients.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Sorry it is not covered by insurance. 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

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Insurance does not cover the repair of stretched or gauged earlobes. Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience repairing earlobes such as yours.The technique for stretched/gauged ear lobe repair is different than for a simple torn earlobe piercing in order to produce a natural and pleasing earlobe shape.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I only know of earlobe repairs covered by insurance when repaired in the acute trauma (injury) setting.  I don't believe any insurance company would pay for repairs due to gauges.

Burton M. Sundin, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, this type of repair is not covered by insurance. Fortunately, this can be done under local and the cost is therefore fairly reasonable.