The cost of earlobe repair surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the surgery needed, the surgeon’s experience, and their location. According to RealSelf, the average cost of earlobe repair surgery is $1,099, but it can range from $400 to $2,000. Another source, Zwivel, states that the price range for repairing one earlobe is $800-$1,000 and for both earlobes it will cost $1,200-$1,400. It is important to choose a doctor who has experience with fixing the type of earlobe damage you have. You can ask for an all-in price quote during your consultation that includes the surgeon’s fee, facility fee (if applicable), cost of local anesthesia and any surgical supplies, aftercare and follow-up visits. You may also want to ask if you’ll need to purchase any recovery supplies such as antibiotic ointments or over-the-counter pain medications.
What is earlobe repair surgery?
Earlobe repair surgery, also called earlobe restoration, is a simple in-office surgical procedure that can be performed to fix earlobe tearing, stretching, or sagging. It is also called earlobe reduction or a “lobe lift”. This quick cosmetic procedure can tighten and reconstruct damaged earlobes that have been ripped, scarred, or stretched to the point of sagging, usually due to wearing heavy earrings (or simply aging). It can also balance asymmetrical earlobes, make overly large earlobes more proportional, or subtly sculpt attached, stretched lobes called “pixie ears”. During earlobe repair or reduction surgery, a plastic surgeon fixes any irregularities or tears, eliminates any lumps or scars, and reshapes the earlobe tissue. It’s important to choose a doctor who has experience with fixing the type of earlobe damage you have.
How long does it take to recover from earlobe repair surgery?
Recovery from earlobe repair surgery is usually quick, with no downtime. You should feel fine to return to work and other normal activities immediately after surgery, though your lobes will be covered in bandages. Depending on your situation and your doctor’s recommendations, the postsurgical bandages are usually safe to remove after 48 hours (sometimes four days). For surgical earlobe repair, patients can expect mild swelling and sometimes mild bruising for a few days. These temporary symptoms resolve on their own within a few days to one week. After repair, sutures are removed 5-8 days after the procedure. The patient is advised to apply a thin layer of ‘Antibiotic Ointment’ on the area after the dressing is removed.
What are the risks of earlobe repair surgery?
Earlobe repair surgery is a simple in-office surgical procedure that is generally considered safe. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with it. Some of the potential risks and complications of earlobe repair surgery include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve damage, and an uneven appearance. In rare cases, there may be a need for revision surgery. It is important to choose a doctor who has experience with fixing the type of earlobe damage you have and to discuss the potential risks and complications with them before undergoing the procedure.
Can earlobe repair be done on both ears at once?
Yes, earlobe repair can be done on both ears at once. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some earlobes just need closure while others need a more complex rotation of tissue. Usually, both earlobes can be done at the same visit. Earlobe repairs are typically done as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia, in the office. Most patients can drive themselves home.
Earlobe what should I do before the surgery?
Earlobe repair surgery is a simple in-office surgical procedure that is generally considered safe. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some things you should do to prepare for it. Here are some general tips to help you prepare for earlobe repair surgery:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions: Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully.
- Stop smoking: If you smoke, you should stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery. Smoking can impair the body’s natural healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Avoid certain medications: Your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or blood thinners, before your surgery. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Arrange for transportation: You will need someone to drive you home after your surgery. Be sure to arrange for transportation ahead of time.
- Prepare for recovery: You may want to prepare for your recovery by purchasing any necessary supplies, such as antibiotic ointments or over-the-counter pain medications. You may also want to arrange for someone to help you with daily tasks during the first few days after your surgery.
Earlobe how long does it take to see results?
The results of earlobe repair surgery are usually visible immediately after the procedure. However, there may be some light redness, bruising, or swelling for 24 to 48 hours. Results from surgical earlobe repair are permanent unless the patient sustains another earlobe laceration or stretches their ears with piercings.
Can earlobe repair be done without anesthesia?
Earlobe repair is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means that the area being operated on is numbed, but the patient remains awake. This is a common and safe practice that allows the patient to feel comfortable during the procedure. I couldn’t find any information about earlobe repair being performed without any anesthesia. It is important to discuss your concerns and preferences with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
Can earlobe repair be done on children?
Yes, earlobe repair can be done on children. According to a study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, a novel surgical technique involving anterior straight-line closure paired with a posterior Z-plasty was used to successfully reconstruct split earlobe deformity in 26 consecutive pediatric patients. The median age at surgical repair was 8.04 years. Another source states that the standard recommended age for undergoing earlobe repair surgery, also known as otoplasty or ear pinning, to correct congenital birth defects is five.