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Restore Your Ear's Natural Beauty

A Simple Solution for Torn or Stretched Earlobes

A minor in-office surgical procedure to repair damaged earlobes — restoring natural shape and the ability to wear earrings again.

Ear Lobe Repair at a Glance

  • Overview

    Ear lobe repair is a minor surgical procedure that corrects elongated, split, or torn earlobes. Using precise surgical technique, the surgeon restores the earlobe's natural shape — providing a permanent solution to damage caused by trauma, heavy earrings, or stretching from gauges.

  • Recovery

    The procedure requires no real downtime, and you can return to normal activities immediately. A small dressing may be applied, and sutures are typically removed within one to two weeks. Swelling and minor bruising are temporary.

  • Results

    Results are immediate and permanent. The procedure restores a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and allows for new piercings once the earlobe has fully healed — typically three to six months after surgery.

Ear Lobe Repair

Are You a Candidate for Earlobe Repair?

You are an excellent candidate for earlobe repair if you are bothered by the appearance of an elongated, split, or torn earlobe. The most common causes are a sudden tear from an earring catching on clothing, gradual stretching from wearing heavy earrings over time, or stretching from ear gauging.

Regardless of the cause, earlobe repair is a safe and effective way to restore your earlobe's natural shape. It is also an ideal choice for patients who want to wear earrings again without discomfort or visible damage. During your consultation, we will assess your specific needs and create a plan tailored to your earlobe.

  • Restoration of the earlobe's natural shape.
  • The ability to get new piercings after healing.
  • A more aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical appearance.
  • A permanent solution to torn or stretched earlobes.
  • Increased self-confidence and comfort.

What Do Scars Look Like?

Earlobe repair requires an incision. Our surgeons take great care to make a very precise incision and to meticulously close the wound to minimize scarring. The resulting scar is typically a small, fine line that is often barely noticeable and continues to fade over time. With proper aftercare — including sun protection — the scar heals beautifully. A scar revision can be performed later if desired.

More Details About Ear Lobe Repair

An In-Office, Same-Day Procedure

Earlobe repair is a simple outpatient procedure performed right in our office — it typically takes less than an hour. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will be awake but the area will be completely numb. The surgeon removes a small amount of tissue from the torn or stretched area and uses sutures to carefully close the incision and restore the earlobe’s natural shape.

A Permanent Solution to a Common Problem

For many people, a damaged earlobe is a constant source of frustration. Unlike temporary adhesive solutions, earlobe repair offers a permanent fix. Once the earlobe has fully healed, you will be able to wear earrings again — though we recommend waiting at least three to six months before getting a new piercing to ensure the tissue is strong and fully healed.

Surgeon's Notes

Jane Namkung, MD
Dr. Namkung MD

Wait three to six months before re-piercing

The most common question after earlobe repair is when patients can wear earrings again, and the honest answer is longer than most expect. The visible incision heals quickly — sutures are typically out within two weeks — but the underlying tissue strength takes three to six months to fully mature. Re-piercing too early risks tearing the same earlobe a second time at the surgical scar, which is both heartbreaking and avoidable. I tell patients to plan a re-piercing date 4–6 months out, choose lighter earrings as their starting style, and avoid heavy or pendant-style earrings on the repaired side for the first year. Patients who follow that timeline rarely have problems with the long-term durability of the repair.

Ear Lobe Repair

Ear Lobe Repair Recovery & Results Timeline

Please remember this is just a guide for Ear Lobe Repair recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.

1

After the Treatment

Your earlobe will be bandaged, but there is no downtime, and you can return to normal activities immediately. You may feel some mild discomfort.

2

1 – 2 Weeks

You will return to our office to have your sutures removed. The incision will be pink but will have already begun to heal.

3

1 – 3 Months

The incision continues to heal and the redness fades. Avoid any activity that could put stress on the earlobe — including wearing heavy earrings.

4

3 – 6 Months

The earlobe will be fully healed, and you can get a new piercing if desired. The scar will be minimal and well on its way to fading.

Ear Lobe Repair Pricing

We haven’t published a range for this one yet

Financing available through PatientFi →

We publish real price ranges rather than a “starting at” figure, because a starting price gets read as the price. This procedure’s range isn’t posted yet — call us at (360) 823-0860 or request a consultation and we’ll tell you the range before you come in.

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Pricing

How much does a Ear Lobe Repair cost?

The cost of Ear Lobe Repair varies based on the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, and your individual goals. During your consultation, your surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan and provide a detailed quote.

Your Surgeons

Jane Namkung, MD

Jane Namkung

MD

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation to discuss Ear Lobe Repair with our board-certified surgeons.

(360) 823-0860 Request Consultation