Cost for closing stretched ear holes? (photos)

Question

I got my ears pierced when I was younger. I have noticed that they are extremely stretched out. Would it be possible to close the holes? If so, how much would it cost?

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  We typically do this procedure in our office under local anesthesia.  We usually close the incision in layers to take the tension off of the incision.  This usually leads to a nicer incision line.  Please call the office for more details and the current costs.  Costs will typically depend on the complexity,  and how much time, the procedure will take.  Costs will vary from city to city.  We usually have our patients wait 3 months before re-piercing the earlobe, and re-pierce it 3 mm from the repair.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist (ENT).  They will help you make a plan to achieve your goals.
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

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

An in-office procedure performed under local anesthetic will be required to close these earlobe piercings.The price will depend upon your geographic location and it may differ from surgeon to surgeon. Here in Seattle we see a lot of gauged/stretched earlobes, and we price the repair depending on how large the defect is, and how much time the repair will take. Your earlobe apertures aren't too large.  At our office located in Seattle, we'd charge $550/earlobe. Best of luck to you!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.  Correction involves a small in-office procedure to repair the earlobe and ranges from $500-1000/ear.  Hope this helps.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

thank you for posting your picture. This is a small procedure performed under local anesthesia. Prices should not be too high. You would need to wait for a few months to have your ears pierced again. If this is performed too early the hole may enlarge again.best of luck

Greg Chernoff, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a simple procedure performed under a local anesthetic.Stitches typically are removed in 7-10 days. Minimal discomfort, if any.Cost can range from $500 - $1000 depending on complexity.Best wishes.

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

The cost of this repair could range from $500-$1,000, depending the level of expertise of the surgeon. A month after the piercing you can re-pierce the ear.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  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. Re piercing can be done, preferably in a spot away from the scar line, a few months down the line. Costs vary from practice to practice ($800-$1000 in our practice).I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A stretched hole can be closed with sutures. It will leave a small permanent scar at the site. The fee will vary and is region dependent so hard to tell you what it is in your area.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Smile891,It is possible to close up those holes.  It is performed in the office.  I recommend then piercing the ear in a new spot about 5 weeks later (if you pierce the same original hole then you will get the same problem very quickly).  As far as costs it depends on where you go.  You an estimate to pay about 350-500/side.  I'd recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon in your area to find out about the process and the costs.I hope this helps and good luck.

Cost for closing stretched ear holes? (photos)

Answers (12)

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