How much would it cost to remove this on my ear lobe? (photos)

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

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. 
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Cost varies widely but typically would range from $500-1000. It is most important to first be evaluated to determine what will help you best. You did not describe what preceded this mass. Ear piercing? If it is scar tissue, the optimal treatment typically involves steroid injections prior to surgical removal of the scar tissue. In some cases, injections are enough to resolve the issue. If surgery is required, the greatest risk is recurrence of the scar tissue so close followup is critical.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Excision of keloids almost always result in recurrence unless the surgery is followed by periodic steroid injection or superficial radiation. To avoid ear lobule distortion at the time of surgery, the skin lining of this keloid should be preserved.

It appears you developed a keloid on your earlobe. Keloids are a type of scar that usually develop after an injury or surgery but may also appear spontaneously or after some sort of inflammation. They tend to enlarge progressively and, unlike regular scars, do not subside over time. Surgery is the best option to remove the keloid but it does not guarantee that the keloid won't grow back. Some plastic surgeons, including myself, also use secondary treatment, such as superficial radiation therapy, post surgery to reduce the chance for re-growth. Depending on your coverage, your insurance may fully cover the procedure. Good luck!