Earlobe repair is a simple cosmetic improvement that restores serious confidence.

Like all cosmetic procedures, earlobe repair carries minor risks. Infection, bleeding, unfavorable scarring, and notching can occur. However, these risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by a facial plastic surgery specialist, such as Dr. Clevens or Dr. Khelemsky.

Yes. Many patients have their ears re-pierced following an earlobe repair procedure. Most patients can pierce their ears again about 60 days after surgery.

There is no set age for earlobe repair. Patients of all ages may require surgical repair. Some young patients come in for gauge repair between the ages of 18 and 30 when they are in a different phase of life or starting a new career, while older patients may need earlobe reconstruction as the skin begins to sag and the earlobes become stretched and droopy.

Children whose earlobes are deformed due to a birth defect or trauma can usually undergo the procedure as soon as their ears stop growing—around the age of five. If the surgery is done prior to this age, the ears continue to grow and the results may become distorted. Ear surgeries, including otoplasty, must be postponed until the ears are fully mature.

Surgery to repair the earlobe is performed with local anesthesia. This will fully numb the area and patients will feel no pain. They may feel some pressure, but there should be no discomfort during the procedure itself. Minor soreness may occur during recovery, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

All surgeries produce some scarring, but our facial plastic surgeons are experts at minimizing the appearance of surgical scars. Dr. Clevens and Dr. Khelemsky take care to conceal earlobe repair incisions in discrete locations, such as in the creases of the ears, to camouflage scarring. Some minor scarring will occur, but it should fade and be difficult to notice after a few months.

The effectiveness of cosmetic surgery varies from patient to patient, but most people who previously wore gauges can typically achieve very natural-looking results with earlobe repair. Dr. Clevens or Dr. Khelemsky can assess the condition of your earlobes during a consultation and determine how much improvement you can expect from the procedure.