The average cost of earlobe repair surgery is $1,294, but it can range from just $650 to as much as $2,900, according to 234 patient reviews.
Also called earlobe reconstruction, lobe rejuvenation, or a lobe lift, an earlobe repair procedure can permanently correct:
Earlobe reduction surgery can also make large earlobes smaller, helping patients feel less self-conscious.
Read on to find out what to look for in a provider’s price quote, why earlobe repair surgery costs vary, if insurance covers it, and whether real patients think it was worth the money.
During your consultation, ask your provider for an all-in, written price quote that includes:
Also ask if you’ll need to purchase any recovery supplies, like antibiotic ointments or over-the-counter pain medications.
Earlobe repair has a 98% Worth It Rating from reviewers on RealSelf, so the vast majority think it was worth the hassle and money.
Many who say it’s “Worth It” note that this reconstructive surgery boosted their confidence. Others report the procedure itself is quick and painless (thanks to local anesthesia), with little or no downtime involved. Several express happiness at being able to wear earrings again.
Of the reviewers who rated their procedure "Not Worth It," most cited post-procedure asymmetry or unhappiness with their chosen plastic surgeon.
While earlobe repair is less invasive than other types of facial plastic surgery, complications like infection, scarring, uneven contours, or notching of the lobes can arise during the healing process.
The best way to help ensure that your investment will be worth it is to find an experienced surgeon who regularly performs lobe lifts and repairs. Look for a patient photo gallery with natural-looking results and recent reviews from happy patients.
RealSelf Tip: While earlobe repair (via a scalpel and sutures) is the only permanent way to fix overstretched or torn earlobes, injectable dermal fillers can temporarily add volume, plumping them up and making them appear less saggy. By reinflating the lobes, these hyaluronic acid gels provide a nice cushion for earrings, so they’re more visible. If you’re a good candidate for this nonsurgical option, you could save a few hundred dollars in the short term. Just keep in mind that you’ll need maintenance treatments to keep up your results, which can quickly become more expensive than a surgical solution.
These are the biggest factors that will have an impact on your final bill.
Having this procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or dermatologic surgeon who has ample experience fixing lobe damage will almost always be more costly than going to one who has less training and experience.
While this seems like a relatively simple procedure, the lobes are very visible—so a bad result is difficult to hide.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to find a provider with a solid track record of positive patient reviews and an extensive before and after photo gallery, showing good results with patients who had similar concerns as your own.
As with other types of cosmetic surgery, earlobe repair costs more in major metro areas, due to higher costs of living.
Prices can even vary by ZIP code, neighborhood, or practice size. You can expect higher price quotes from surgeons with upscale practices, compared to those who run a more basic operation.
Some doctors on RealSelf offer free consultations, which can make it easier to compare personalized cost quotes from providers in different locations.
Earlobe repair is a common procedure, but its complexity (and the time involved) depends on the condition of your lobes and desired results.
Surgeons typically charge per earlobe, and it’s possible that one lobe will need more work than the other.
Earlobe repair surgeries performed to correct stretched, torn, or split earlobes can be straightforward or very challenging. Minor holes that have stretched or a clean tear in the lobe may be simple to stitch up, falling on the lower end of the price spectrum.
Procedures aiming to treat keloid scar tissue or address deformities are more nuanced and expensive.
"Gauged ears are sometimes more difficult than other earlobe repairs, since the tissue is so over stretched, but we're still able to create a natural looking earlobe," says Dr. Elliot Heller, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City.
The more time your provider spends on your procedure, the higher your earlobe repair cost.
It's not uncommon to pair this procedure with otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) to change the overall appearance of the ears or reduce their projection.
Add-ons can increase your bill by thousands of dollars, but some surgeons will discount their fee for the second procedure, so you may save by combining them in a single operation.
Rejuvenating thin earlobes with dermal filler following a surgical repair (while there’s local anesthetic onboard) makes sense, but could also add several hundred dollars to your final bill.
Plastic surgeons frequently offer to re-pierce their earlobe repair patients, once the lobe has healed. A new piercing—along with the ear piercing jewelry—will probably come with additional charges.
Make sure your price quote factors in any add-ons.
Insurance companies typically cover earlobe surgery in cases they deem medically necessary. This includes repairs:
In such cases, you’d only be responsible for the co-pay.
Strictly cosmetic surgery procedures are not covered by insurance.
"Talk to your insurance company to know exactly which conditions it will cover," says Dr. Nick Masri, a plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. "You may also ask your cosmetic surgeon to write a letter to your insurance company, explaining the nature of the surgery."
If you’re denied coverage but still want to have the procedure, ask your provider whether they offer monthly payment plans or accept financing options.
Most cosmetic surgery practices have a range of payment options to make procedures like this one more affordable.
Browse the average cost of earlobe repair in select U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. As of July 2023, Florida had the cheapest average cost (as reported by patients), while California was the most expensive. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.
State | Average Cost of Earlobe Repair Surgery |
|---|---|
Florida | $816 |
Texas | $928 |
North Carolina | $1,000 |
Virginia | $1,020 |
Pennsylvania | $1,025 |
New York | $1,241 |
California | $1,734 |
Average costs according to patient-reported data, as of July 2023. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.
Metro Area | Average Cost |
|---|---|
Houston, TX | $810 |
Philadelphia & South New Jersey | $856 |
Washington, DC | $1,083 |
New York City | $1,177 |
Austin, TX | $1,233 |