Earlobe Repair
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale
Earlobe repair (lobuloplasty) is a procedure that corrects stretched, torn, or damaged earlobes. If an injury, heavy earrings, gauging, or aging has changed the original shape of your ears, we can quickly improve them.
At Phoenix Skin, we have helped hundreds of patients reconstruct their earlobes with this procedure that provides a natural-looking result. Contact our office in Arizona to learn more about how we can improve the appearance of your ears:
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Earlobe Repair
Earlobes, though small, play an important role in the overall architecture of the face. They consist of soft tissue with collagen and fat, making them susceptible to injury and the effects of aging. Torn earlobes, also known as split or cleft earlobes, often result from injuries to the ears or metal allergies. (1) Heavy jewelry or gauged earlobes can permanently stretch the fibers in your skin, resulting in a droopy appearance. Earlobe repair is designed to remove excess skin and tissue from earlobes that have become wide or elongated. Removal of the skin reshapes and rejuvenates the ears. The technique used will depend on your ear shape and the result you wish to achieve.
Statistics show that earlobe repair procedures have become increasingly sought after as awareness of cosmetic surgery grows. Many people express feelings of insecurity related to earlobe injuries, prompting them to seek out repair options for restoring their desired appearance.
Types of Earlobe Repair
We offer several different types of earlobe repair treatments to restore the shape of your ears and can customize the procedure for your desired look.
- Bilateral and Unilateral Earlobe Repair: Depending on the type of repair (bilateral, unilateral, or revision), small incisions are made in discreet areas of the earlobe. Damaged tissue is meticulously sutured together or reshaped to restore a normal appearance. Sutures are placed carefully to minimize potential scarring, followed by dressing the area to assist healing.
- Earlobe Reduction: Surgical earlobe reduction involves excising excess tissue through incisions made at the base of the earlobe. It is advantageous for people with significantly enlarged lobes.
- Gauged Earlobe Repair: While many enjoy the distinctiveness of gauged earlobes, changes in lifestyle or aesthetics can prompt patients to seek earlobe reconstruction for various reasons, such as enhancing their overall appearance or conforming to workplace standards.
Earlobe Repair Benefits
After an earlobe repair treatment, you can enjoy several benefits:
- Restored Appearance: The procedure enhances the aesthetic appeal of the earlobes, making them look youthful and symmetrical.
- Increased Confidence: Many patients report feeling more confident and willing to show off their ears after the correction.
- Repaired Torn Lobes: Lobuloplasty effectively repairs split or torn lobes resulting from accidents or heavy earrings.
- Minimal Scarring: Since the incisions are small and strategically placed, scarring tends to be minimal and easily concealable. Results can vary based on the severity of the repair needed.
- Improved Comfort: Once repaired, patients frequently feel less discomfort when wearing earrings in the earlobes.
- Long-lasting Results: The effects of lobuloplasty can be maintained over time with proper care.
- Personalized Technique: Each patient’s desires and anatomical considerations lead to tailored approaches in surgery, ensuring optimal aesthetic outcomes.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients find they have a smooth recovery with minimal downtime.
Candidates & Consultation
Earlobe repair surgery can help you improve the appearance of:
- Torn or damaged earlobes from injuries
- Stretched skin from heavy earrings or gauges
- Damaged skin from earlobe piercings
- Visible earlobe scarring following previous surgeries
Suitable candidates for earlobe repair should have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with the procedure. We will discuss your medical history to determine whether or not the procedure is a good fit for you. Please come prepared to discuss your concerns and the improvements you would like to make.
How to Prepare for Earlobe Repair
Once your earlobe repair is scheduled, you will need to take the following steps to prepare:
- Discontinue medications and supplements that thin your blood
- Avoid smoking for several weeks before and after your procedure
- Protect your skin from sun exposure that could damage it and cause a delay in your treatment
You will need to be prepared to refrain from wearing jewelry to allow your skin to heal.
Earlobe Repair Procedure
A local anesthetic will be administered in the focal area for comfort. An incision will be made to readjust torn or stretched skin and remove excess tissue for a more balanced appearance. For stretched earlobes, we can close the gap and reposition some of the excess tissue to restore a natural-looking ear shape. (2) Sutures will be placed to secure the new shape and help your ears heal correctly.
Recovery
After your procedure, it is important to take good care of your skin and avoid touching your ears while they heal. You can return to your normal routine but avoid intense exercise for 5-7 days. Some patients experience temporary swelling or irritation around the incision sites that should subside in a few days. Specific instructions to assist in a speedy recover will be provided.
Some patients may need to wear a bandage to help the earlobes heal in the correct position. After the skin heals, minimal scarring remains allowing for an aesthetically pleasing result. In most cases, patients can re-pierce the ears after 4-6 weeks if desired.
Results
The results of ear repair can be transformative. Patients usually observe well-defined earlobes with improved symmetry and an overall rejuvenated appearance. Scars fade significantly over time, and most individuals find satisfaction in their enhanced earlobe aesthetics.
Other Procedures at Phoenix Skin
Earlobe Wrinkling
As the collagen in your skin declines, you will likely notice that wrinkles begin to appear, causing the shape of your earlobes to change. This can make it difficult to wear certain types of jewelry and can even affect your self-esteem. We can improve the appearance of your earlobes with a laser treatment or dermal fillers to restore a smooth and youthful texture to the earlobe. The laser energy also increases the levels of collagen in your skin– the vital protein that helps your skin maintain its structure and elasticity.
Lumps and Bumps
Cyst removal is a routine dermatological procedure aimed at excising or aspirating cysts that may cause discomfort, pain, or aesthetic concerns for patients. Cysts come in various forms, including sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts. Sebaceous cysts arise from blocked oil glands and often appear on the scalp, face, neck, or torso, while epidermoid cysts are usually lighter and develop from skin cells that build up beneath the surface. Patients opt for cyst removal for multiple reasons, including visibility, discomfort, potential infection, and concerns regarding recurrence.
Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal is a procedure designed to eliminate unwanted tattoos from the skin. Many individuals decide to get tattoos in their youth, but over time, preferences can change. This often leads to what people refer to as “tattoo regret.” Whether it is because of a change in lifestyle or personal relationships, there are many reasons people seek tattoo removal. Various technologies exist for tattoo removal, with laser-based methods being among the most effective. PicoSure, Stellar M22, and Revlite lasers target specific colors and break down ink particles, which allows the body to safely eliminate them over time. Removal requires several treatment sessions, depending on factors such as the size and color of the tattoo and the patient’s skin type.
To learn more about procedures at Phoenix Skin, see our blog.
The Cost of Earlobe Repair in Phoenix
The cost of earlobe repair will depend on the condition of your earlobes and whether or not you need additional procedures to help you meet your aesthetic goals. We can also discuss financing options to help make your treatment more accessible. To discuss whether or not earlobe repair is the right fit for you, contact our office or call (602) 222-9111 to schedule a consultation and discuss your goals.
- Service Price
- Earlobe Repair- Bilateral (Both) $600
- Earlobe Repair (Single Earlobe) $350
- Earlobe Reduction Consult Required
- Gauged Earlobe Repair – Bilateral (Both) $1400
- Gauged Earlobe Repair (Single Earlobe) $750
FAQ
Is fixing gauged earlobes painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the local anesthesia phase. After surgery, some soreness may occur, which can typically be managed with over the counter pain medication.
What is an earlobe repair surgery like?
The procedures vary based on the severity of the injury, pre-existing conditions like earlobe keloids, and the desired outcome for earlobe reshaping.
How long does earlobe repair take?
The procedure typically lasts about 30-60 minutes, depending on the extent of the issue being resolved.
How long does recovery take after earlobe repair?
If you take good care of your skin, you can expect a full recovery within one to two weeks.
Can I wear earrings immediately after surgery?
You will need to wait at least 4-6 weeks before re-piercing your earlobe to allow for adequate healing time. If you plan to re-pierce your ears, we can examine them to determine whether or not they have healed enough to re-pierce them.
How long will the results last?
With proper care, results from earlobe surgery can be permanent. However, factors like aging and prolonged use of heavy earrings could impact the appearance over time.
References
- Sadasivan K, Kochunarayanan A. A Revised Classification and Treatment Algorithm for Acquired Split Earlobe, With a Description of the Composite Technique and its Outcome. Cureus. Published online September 13, 2020. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10422
- Madhubari Vathulya, Jain V, Jain P. Simple Tips for Ear Lobule Reconstruction-“Lobuloplasty Revisited.” Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2019;71(S2):1096-1098. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-017-1186-2