Is There a Procedure to Just Reduce Earlobe Size and How Much is Cost?

Question

hi i have my two somewhat oversized earlobes and im wondering how much would a procedure to just cut the earloes to make them small would cost.. i had in mind it would be cheap since it is only earlobe reduction ..could i get an estimate and would any permanent scars remain? also how long does it take to heal or until i can take the bandages off? thank you very much

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

Who is a candidate#Earlobe reduction surgery as
requested five patients who have extensively large earlobes that may be large
from family traits, aging, the use of very large earrings or plugs, or previous
facial surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used

Generally these procedures are
performed under local anesthetic and require 15 to 30 minutes depending upon
how complex the particular case is.

How long does it take to heal

Early healing occurs in the
first  week.   Scars
are generally well hidden and may have a small amount of redness and that
persists for several months. This can be treated with scar creams and
laser.  Re-piercing can be done 3 to 6
weeks after surgery

How much does this cost#Earlobereduction 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

Timothy Jochen, MD · Answer

Ear lobe reduction is a very effective and easy procedure in which we remove a wedge of tissue from the earlobe and then suture the edges together. The sutures stay in for approximately 1 week and the scar is virtually invisible. In my practice we charge $1,000 for bilateral earlobe reductions. We can also reduce them by attaching the earlobe to the cheek if you prefer a non-pendulous lobe.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Earlobe reduction is a simple procedure. There are a number of different ways to achieve this. The technique I prefer involves excising the excess portion along the edge of the lobe. The resulting scar is usually quite inconspicuous. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and should take less than an hour to do both ears. I don't even use bandages on them. The cost will vary depending on the complexity of the procedure but probably no more than about $1000 for both.

Ronald Friedman, MD · Answer

I perform earlobe reduction surgery quite frequently.  The procedure is performed with local anesthesia (lidocaine) in the office and takes about 45 minutes per ear.  There are two possible techniques:1. Edge excision: This is the usual procedure.  It involves drawing a line exactly marking the new desired earlobe size and shape.  All tissue outside this line is removed, and the remaining skin edges are repaired, leaving a scar along the edge of the earlobe (facing neither forward nor backward) where it is generally well-concealed.  Internal sutures dissolve on their own.  The external sutures are removed about 2 weeks later.  2. Wedge excision: This involves a vertical incision along the earlobe, leaving a vertical scar that may be more visible.  It is useful for patients who are interested in simultaneous repair of a torn earlobe or who have an attached earlobe (meaning that there is no skin hanging below the ear-cheek junction).  Suture management is the same as above.All bandages are present for less than 24 hours.  If desired, the earlobes may be repierced at the same time. Cost for earlobe reduction is $1050 for 1 earlobe and $1950 for both earlobes, as this is a much more involved procedure than simple earlobe repair.

James Apesos, MD · Answer

Yes,  the vertical ear height can be reduced.  The procedure is much more complicated than earlobe reduction.  The ear is split and the conchal cavity is reduced as well as the earlobe. It is a very successful procedure performed by plastic surgeons who understand the ear anatomy.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

This is a good question and one that I hear from patients often.  The answer is yes, it is possible to reduce the size of the ear lobes, repair torn ear lobes, and even fix enlarged earring holes.  These procedures are easy, require minimal downtime, can be performed in the office under local anesthesia, and are fairly inexpensive.  Most of these procedures can be performed between $300- 500 per ear.

	   Scarring is minimal in most instances and is usually nicely covered up when the ears are re-pierced. However, some people can develop thick scars, called keloids, in the ears after surgery or piercings.  If this has happend to you then you should be careful when having any of these procedure done.  Most people heal quickly and sutures are removed in 7 days.  You can then have your ears re-pierced after 6 weeks.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

Yes, this is a common request in my practice. The incisions would be carefully placed to minimize any potential scarring, and in conjunction with anti-scarring treatments, it would essentially be unnoticeable. The sutures would be put in for 5-7 days before being removed without any bandages being placed. There is relatively little to no down time and this can be performed with local anesthesia with you awake.

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

Earlobe reduction surgery is a regular part of my practice. There are different approaches depending on what type of earlobe you have, past piercings, and what it is you would like to end up with. Cost is usually around $1000 for both earlobes. While it is possible to have issues with poor scarring, this is quite unusual in the earlobe. If you have piercings in your ears and they didn't form unsightly scars or create pigment problems, probably earlobe reduction won't either.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

Yes, ear lobe reduction surgery is possible.

Depending on your examination you may be a good candidate for this procedure. However you must consider the degree of “deformity” (your concern about the size of the ear lobe) against the potential complications that may arise after surgery. For example, depending on your skin type, you may end up with raised or pigmented scars that may bother you more than the initial earlobe size. Furthermore the scars may be difficult to treat/improve.

You may also end up with overly–reduced earlobes  and/or earlobe asymmetry.

Make sure you consult with a well-trained/experienced/ethical plastic surgeon to address your concerns.

Best wishes.

Is There a Procedure to Just Reduce Earlobe Size and How Much is Cost?

Answers (11)

More Earlobe Repair Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Earlobe Repair Questions

What Options are there for Fixing Split Earlobe?

What is the Price of Surgical Ear Piercing Reduction Caused from Heavy Earrings?

If I Cut off a Blowout Will I Be Able to Keep my Stretched Ears After the Procedure? (photo)

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Stretched Ear "Blow Out" Removed? (photo)

Can Anyone Recommend an Experienced Plastic Surgeon to Repair Stretched/"gauged" Earlobes in Portland, OR?

Is There Anybody In Tampa Who Treats Keloids?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS