I want to join the military but I gauged my earlobes. How much would it cost in total to close them? (photo)

The price of closing gauge hole can vary considerably, so check around for prices. I charge about $700 for both earlobes, while some surgeons charge as much as $2000. Ridiculous!  The procedure takes less than an hour and if you live a few hours away, I can use dissolving stitches so you don't have to return to have them removed.  I do a lot of these for those enlisting in the military and I try to keep the price affordable.

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

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.

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

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.

The cost for closing gauged ear lobes differs from region to region, and from surgeon to surgeon. Additionally, the cost will be higher if the stretched ear lobe piercings are larger.  For example, a 1 inch diameter piercing simply takes longer to close and more skill and sutures to get the shape just right versus a smaller piercing like you have. In my Seattle based practice the closure of your relatively small gauged ear lobes would cost around $700 total. Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to get a quote. Thanks for sharing your photo!

Gauged earlobes are commonly closed with a minor surgical procedure that can be done in the office.  The cost can vary, depending on the severity and the surgeon.  I would say that the cost should be in the hundreds of dollars and not thousands, as a ballpark figure.   

The price varies by location and by surgeon. You could call different surgeons and ask their price. A ballpark range is $250- 750 an ear,

Thank you for the question.  There are many good board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.  You should do your due diligence by checking with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Only by visiting the surgeon's website or office will you learn of his/her specific experience and skill. You will find that costs will vary from one practice to another (600.00 to 1000.00 in our office)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.I hope this helps.

The cost of repair will vary depending upon the extent of the deformity. Best to be seen in person to be properly evaluated.