Earlobe Repair and Reduction

What is earlobe repair and reduction?

Earlobe repairs, also known as “lobe jobs,” are for people with torn, or split, earlobes. An earlobe reduction is a procedure that reduces the size of the earlobe. Just like with breasts and faces, earlobes are not immune to the effects of gravity; sagging earlobes is a natural part of the aging process.

What is the procedure process for earlobe repair and reduction?

Earlobe repairs and earlobe reductions are quick and relatively painless procedures. An earlobe repair is not an overly intrusive procedure. A plastic surgeon will sterilize the earlobe, stabilize one or both of the earlobes, and then proceed to make an incision. This incision should be near the torn area of the earlobe or the hole of the earlobe. This strategically placed incision allows a plastic surgeon to remove extra skin and cartilage from the earlobe. The final step of an earlobe repair is when the remaining sides of the earlobe are sewn together using sutures. While an earlobe repair is a simple procedure, it is accompanied by local anesthesia and should not be taken lightly.

Earlobe reduction surgeries are similar to earlobe repairs. The earlobes are marked, sterilized and the extra skin is removed. A popular incision technique is the interfat T shaped slit. This type of slit creates a more natural and symmetrical appearance. When the excess skin is cut, the plastic surgeon will proceed to use sutures to reconnect the skin. Many plastic surgeons will offer to use clear sutures. During the healing process, clear sutures will make the ear reduction less noticeable. While an earlobe reduction is a simple procedure, it is also accompanied by local anesthesia.

Who is a candidate for earlobe repair and reduction?

If someone is in good health and wants an earlobe repair or reduction, then they are candidates for earlobe repair and earlobe reduction surgeries. Many celebrities and large earring aficionados have flocked to plastic surgeons for earlobe repairs and reductions. Again, earlobe repairs and earlobe reductions are minimally invasive procedures. Compared to other surgeries, there is a low risk of complications arising as a result of these procedures.

Candidates for earlobe repairs are usually people with some type of damage to their earlobe. Candidates who got gauge piercings in their youth might consider earlobe repair when they enter the workforce. Many women with torn earlobes also reach out to plastic surgeons. Torn earlobes can occur accidentally, e.g. an earring gets caught in a piece of fabric and the pull causes the earlobe to tear, or it can occur due to the overuse of heavy earrings. Some candidates will cite the excessive creasing within their earlobes as a motivator to get an earlobe repair.

A candidate for earlobe reduction can be anyone that is not pleased with the size of their earlobes. Earlobe reduction surgeries are often performed for cosmetic reasons. The pronounced size can occur naturally due to the shape of a person's earlobe. Large earlobes are often caused by the drooping associated with old age. Over an extended period of time, sagging can occur as the result of the overuse of large and heavy earrings.

What are the benefits of earlobe repair and reduction?

The benefits of earlobe repair and reduction surgeries are numerous. Patients will express a new-found confidence after an earlobe repair or an earlobe reduction. Many patients who are used to hiding behind their long hair because of an earlobe insecurity are free to show off their dazzling earrings and amazing up-do hairstyles. Additionally, patients report feeling more self-confident because they feel younger. Incidentally, many patients who go in for facelift procedures will also touch-up their earlobes. The earlobe can droop and sag just like any part of the body. Patients with previously gauge pierced earlobes report more confidence in entering the workplace or being promoted in their current company. In the case of a split earlobe, a surgeon's expertise can correct this with an earlobe repair.

What is the cost of earlobe repair and earlobe reduction?

The costs of earlobe repairs and earlobe reductions will depend on a variety of factors. The severity of the case, how much a plastic surgeon charges, how many sides the procedure will be performed on, whether the procedures will be performed in the same appointment, the technique(s) that a surgeon employs and the region where the procedure is performed will affect the cost of an earlobe repair and an earlobe reduction. Keeping all of these factors in mind, generally, procedures can range from $250 to $1000.

Earlobe Repair and Reduction FAQ

Q - What are the different types of earlobe repairs and earlobe reductions?

The different types of earlobe repair and earlobe reduction procedures include: a gauged earlobe repair, an earlobe reduction, a split earlobe repair, a procedure for the closure of single or multiple earlobe holes, earlobe shortening, repairs of multiple splits in earlobes and repairs of earlobes with stretched holes.

Q - What is the healing process of earlobe repairs and earlobe reductions?

The healing process for earlobe repairs and earlobe reductions is quick and relatively painless. The expected healing time is close to a week. There is very little pain involved. Many surgeons will prescribe an antibiotic ointment to assist in the healing process.

Q - How long does a procedure take?

Earlobe repairs or earlobe reductions usually take less than two hours.

Q - How to prepare for an earlobe repair or earlobe reduction?

Preparation for an earlobe repair or earlobe reduction will vary case by case. For instance, smokers will be asked to quit before their procedure. Many surgeons have will also ask their patients to stop consuming blood thinners, e.g. aspirin, two weeks before a procedure. Patients should also avoid alcohol for a week leading up to their surgery.