Look Like Yourself, Only Better.

Earlobe repair is a delicate surgical procedure that reattaches or reduces the earlobe. 

Yes. The earlobes are made of soft tissue and are highly susceptible to damage or tear. Excessive trauma to the earlobe, such as piercings, may cause the earlobe to tear or become elongated. Some patients may desire smaller earlobes. 

You may want an earlobe repair if you have: 

• Torn or separated earlobes 
• Elongated earlobes due to piercing 
• Enlarged earlobes 

As we age, we lose volume in our earlobes just as we do in the rest of our skin tissue. Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the earlobes and smooth wrinkles. In addition, laser resurfacing can be used to stimulate collagen, tighten the skin, and improve the texture of the skin over time. 

An earlobe repair cannot reverse sun damage to the skin or remove all wrinkles. For best results, you may want to treat any remaining wrinkles with injectables. 

During your consultation, Dr. Rosing will start by asking about your goals for the procedure and what specifically you would like to change about your appearance and why. Dr. Rosing will examine your earlobes and discuss the best way to achieve your desired results. He will share before and after photographs of his work and set realistic expectations. He will also complete a full medical history, evaluate your current health, and make note of any prescriptions or supplements you take and whether you smoke. He will then review all of the possible risks of the surgery and a complete breakdown of the cost. 

No. The procedure is done with local anesthesia. 

Earlobe repair is an outpatient procedure and is performed in Dr. Rosing’s office. 

To repair torn, separated, or elongated earlobes, a topical numbing gel will be applied first to the earlobes. After several minutes, a small needle will be used to put in the anesthesia to completely numb the earlobes.  Dr. Rosing will make small incisions where the earlobe tear or stretch has occurred. The skin and tissue around your earlobes will then be repositioned to create a natural look. For an earlobe reduction, Dr. Rosing will use either the wedge or peripheral margin technique. With the wedge reduction method, Dr. Rosing will begin by marking the earlobe in a geometric shape that is to be removed. The area will then be injected with a local anesthesia. Dr. Rosing will remove the excess earlobe tissue and close the incision with stitches. With the peripheral margin reduction technique, he will begin by marking the outer edge of the earlobe to the new desired length. After injecting local anesthesia into the earlobe, Dr. Rosing will remove the marked area and close the incision with stitches.  

15-45 minutes depending on the extent of the repair.

After the procedure, the earlobes may feel sore for 1-2 days, and pain reliever can be taken as needed.

In most cases, patients are able to return to work or their daily activities immediately after their procedure. A more extensive repair may call for a few days of rest. Dr. Rosing will provide instructions on how to take care of your earlobes during your recovery, including the use of a topical antibiotic to the incisions. Stitches will be removed one week after surgery. 

 It is important to avoid any form of nicotine for at least 3-4 weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine, in any form, can increase the risk for skin and tissue death and will delay your earlobe’s healing process and worsen scarring. Do not sleep on or place pressure on the treated areas until after stitches are removed. Do not engage in strenuous activity for the first 48 hours. Avoid scratching or pulling on the earlobes, sun exposure, or swimming while the incisions heal. Wait 6 weeks before re-piercing the ears. 

Earlobe repair is a simple procedure with very little risk of complications. In some cases, scarring might develop or the earlobes can split again if it is pierced too soon. 

No. Earlobe repair is generally considered cosmetic, so insurance very rarely covers this procedure. It is important to find out the total costs of the procedure, which includes Dr. Rosing’s fees along with fees for follow-up care, office visits, and other services. Make sure you ask your health insurance company about its policies and whether having an earlobe repair will affect your coverage in any way. Some insurance companies may raise your premiums after you get cosmetic surgery. If your plan won’t cover treatment for any complications from cosmetic surgery, you may want to consider getting a supplemental insurance policy.