Description
Dr. Friedman specializes in earlobe surgery, including repair of torn earlobes, repair of gauged earlobes, and earlobe size reduction. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your earlobes because they are torn, gauged, or just too big, earlobe surgery can make you feel more comfortable and confident.
Earlobe Surgery Before and After Photos
Dr. Friedman performs all earlobe surgeries under local anesthesia (so you will be awake), and we have laughing gas available.
Torn Earlobe Repair
Do your earrings dangle because your earlobes are stretched out? Or maybe you can’t wear earrings because your earlobes are completely split. If this sounds familiar, then you may benefit from torn earlobe repair.
Dr. Friedman will numb the skin, carefully trim the torn edges, and then repair the earlobe with fine internal and external stitches. He can even repierce your earlobe at the same time.
Gauged earlobe repair
Gauging your earlobes probably seemed like a good idea at the time. But now you’re left with large holes that are attracting unwanted attention. Some employers (particularly the military) may not be enthusiastic.
Dr. Friedman will numb the skin, remove the torn edges, and then repair the earlobe with multiple internal and external stitches. The earlobe will be reshaped to a better contour, and it will be reduced in size as needed.
Earlobe size reduction
If your large earlobes are making you self-conscious, Dr. Friedman can perform size reduction with one of two possible techniques:
- If you have unattached earlobes (the bottom part of your earlobe is not attached to your face), then Dr. Friedman will carefully mark your desired earlobe size and shape directly on your earlobe. All skin below the mark will be removed, excess soft tissue will be trimmed, and the earlobe is repaired with two layers of stitches.
- If you have an attached earlobe (the bottom part of your earlobe is attached to your face), then Dr. Friedman will remove a vertical wedge of earlobe tissue at the junction of your earlobe and cheek. The earlobe will be repaired with two layers of stitches.
Postoperative recovery:
- Since your procedure will be performed under local anesthesia, you can drive yourself home (or back to work).
- You may remove the surgical dressings and take a shower the day after the procedure. You will apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions for the first week.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours after your procedure.
- We will remove your skin stitches two weeks after your procedure.
- If Dr. Friedman repierces your ear, please do not remove the piercing for at least one month. Otherwise you may have a difficult time getting it back in.
When you visit our office in Plano, Texas, Dr. Friedman will address your specific questions and concerns. He will give you a realistic idea of what you can expect from surgery. We will also show you a variety of before-and-after photos of earlobe procedures performed by Dr. Friedman. If you have questions or have an unusual earlobe problem, you can just email us photos of your earlobe(s) to obtain more information and an estimate for surgical charges before you make an appointment.
Q & A
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How much does earlobe surgery cost?
Costs may vary depending upon the complexity of your procedure. As a guideline, these are our usual prices:
Torn earlobe repair: One earlobe $550; Both earlobes $995.
Gauged earlobe repair: One earlobe $1,250; Both earlobes $1,950.
Earlobe reduction: One earlobe starting at $1350; Both earlobes staring at $2250.
Earlobe re-piercing: $25 each.
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Will there be a scar?
Any time the skin is cut, there will be a scar. All scars are permanent. However, most earlobe surgical scars are inconspicuous and, if feasible, well hidden. For example, your earrings may cover your torn earlobe repair scars.
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Can my ears be repierced at the same time as torn earlobe repair?
Yes. Most surgeons will make you wait four to six weeks to have your earlobe repierced. While this is certainly an option, Dr. Friedman generally repierces the earlobes at the time of torn earlobe repair. Regardless of the timing, the new piercing must be placed at least three to four millimeters away from the repair site — otherwise it will tear again.
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Does Dr. Friedman perform otoplasty for ears that stick out?
Yes. Dr. Friedman performs otoplasty for prominent ears in children and adults. Please visit our otoplasty page for more information.
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How many earlobe procedures has Dr. Friedman performed?
We have lost count, but Dr. Friedman has performed well over 1000 earlobe surgical procedures.