Ear Lobe Reduction- Recovery, cost and procedure??? (photos)

Question

My oversized ear lobes have always been an insecurity of mine and though I know it's somewhat of a "quick fix" in terms of cosmetic surgery, I'm finally ready to undergo it. My question is how much does this typically cost? How long is recovery/ how long to be bandaged up for? What will the insision be? I've read some doctors just cut the chunk off and sew it back up, where as others cut a triangle like piece of tissue from the middle and sew the remaining together. Pain???? Thanks!!!

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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

This is a procedure that I often perform as part of a facelift but also have performed by itself.  It is performed under local anesthesia and involves removing the excess earlobe.  The final scar is along the edge of the earlobe and is imperceptible.  The procedure requires an aesthetic eye so that it looks natural.  The procedure takes less than an hour and I charge about $800 total.

David W. Rodwell III, MD · Answer

There are several options for earlobe reduction.  This is most commonly performed for older patients who have a tendency to develop sagging of the earlobe, but many younger patients may have large earlobes as well.PROCEDURE:   There are a variety of techniques, but the most common involves some variation of removing a wedge of tissue then bringing the edges back together to create a smaller lobe.  This sounds fairly simple, but there are many subtle details and technical maneuvers that can make the difference between good and bad results.RECOVERY:  in office procedure, minimal downtime, sutures removed 5-7 days laterCOST: typical costs to expect would be $800 - $1500 per earlobeREPIERCING:  The earlobes can be repierced.  I usually wait 6 weeks or longer and do the repiercing myself for all patients.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  An earlobe reduction can be performed with either a trim, as you drew it, or a wedge technique.  Both can be performed with a small, in-office procedure that ranges between 500-1000 per ear.  Hope this helps.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Correction of large ear lobulesLobules can be large from aging, guaging, family traits, heavy earrings.Correction can either be wedge of trim..  I look at the shapes and contours and sometimes combine the two if needed.  They can all be done in the office with local

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is not painful, it is quick 20 to 30min procedure and costs about $1500 to $5000 depending on your geographical location. RegardsDr. J

Kyle S. Choe, MD, FACS · Answer

Ear lobe reduction surgery is a relatively simple process all done under local anesthesia. It take about 30-45 minutes. A triangular wedge resection in the most dependent area of the lobe is a common method. There are others. I would consult with a local facial plastic surgeon.

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.
Other potential risks include overly–reduced earlobes and/or earlobe asymmetry.
Make sure you consult with a well-trained/experienced/ethical plastic surgeons to address your concerns.
Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

An ear lobe reduction is a relatively straightforward procedure.  They can often be done under straight local anesthesia.  Best of luck.

Ear Lobe Reduction- Recovery, cost and procedure??? (photos)

Answers (9)

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