Long-term use of heavy earrings, trauma, or the natural aging process can stretch out the earlobes or cause the earlobes to split. Our Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgeons restore and reshape earlobes for a natural appearance.

Our Cosmetic Surgeons

Dr. Jacob Haiavy and Dr. Emma Ryan are passionate about cosmetic surgery. As diplomates of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, they have the expertise to personalize every aspect of your procedure and deliver safe, beautifully natural results.

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Inland Cosmetic Surgery Drs. Jacob Haiavy and Emma Ryan, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

What is earlobe repair?

Earlobe repair is a quick, minimally invasive surgical procedure we use to repair damaged or misshapen earlobes. Many patients seek earlobe repair if they have stretched earlobes from gauges or earrings, as well as torn or split earlobes due to earrings or an accident. We use precise techniques to restore the natural shape and symmetry of your earlobes and the ability to wear earrings again if desired. 

The earlobe repair procedure

During your consultation, your surgeon will listen to your concerns, evaluate your earlobes, and discuss the best approach for your repair. We’ll also answer any questions you have, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed.

Procedure steps

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the extent of the repair needed.

  • Step 1: To ensure your comfort, we administer a local anesthetic to completely numb the earlobe area.
  • Step 2: We typically place very precise incisions to remove any damaged tissue and reshape the earlobe for symmetrical, functional earlobes.
  • Step 3: Once we have achieved a natural look, we carefully suture the incisions closed. 

Aftercare and recovery

Following your earlobe repair, it’s important to keep the area clean and dry and avoid touching or manipulating the earlobes to prevent infection and aid in healing. You may experience some temporary and minor swelling and tenderness that will subside within a few days. 

Any tenderness or temporary discomfort can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. 

Key Benefits
  • Restores the natural appearance of stretched earlobes
  • Repairs damage from tears, splits, or trauma
  • Improves the structure of the earlobe to be safely re-pierced if desired
Glossary

Anesthesia: Medication used to numb the area during earlobe repair so you don’t feel pain.

Earlobe repair: A cosmetic procedure to fix damaged or stretched earlobes.

Split earlobe: Split earlobes are a condition where the earlobe skin is torn, often due to heavy earrings, dangling earrings, or trauma.

Torn earlobes: Earlobes that have been ripped or damaged, needing repair.

Dermal fillers: Injectable fillers sometimes used to plump or reshape earlobes.

New piercing: Creating a new hole in the earlobe for earrings, usually done after the earlobe has healed from repair.

Piercing hole: The small hole created for wearing earrings, which can stretch or tear over time.

Earlobe surgery: The surgical procedure to repair and reshape damaged earlobes.

Healthcare provider: A medical professional who can perform earlobe repair and provide care instructions.

Stud earrings: Small, simple earrings that are less likely to damage the earlobe.

Facelift: A facelift is a cosmetic procedure to tighten and lift facial skin, sometimes combined with earlobe repair for aging, stretched lobes.

Ear gauging: The process of stretching the earlobe hole, which can sometimes lead to the need for repair.

Clip-on earrings: Earrings that clip onto the earlobe without piercing.

Fat transfer: A procedure where fat is moved from one part of the body to another, sometimes used in cosmetic repairs.

Scarring: The natural part of healing after earlobe repair, which should be minimal with proper care.

Breast enlargement: Another term for breast augmentation or “boob jobs,” a different type of cosmetic surgery.

Results

Healing times can vary, but most patients can expect their earlobes to heal within 1-2 weeks. With proper care, the results of your earlobe repair can be long-lasting and you’ll enjoy natural-looking earlobes.

Earlobe repair FAQs

No, you’ll be completely numb during the procedure and have pain medication to keep you comfortable after surgery.

Most patients return to work and normal activities soon after the procedure; the incisions will heal within a few weeks. It may take up to 3 months for any residual swelling to fully resolve.

The cost of your procedure will depend on the extent of the repair. We will provide the cost of your earlobe repair during your consultation.

You should be able to re-pierce your ears after about 8 weeks. We may advise you to wait longer if you had more significant repairs.

References »

Grohmann M, Weiland T, Tuca AC, Wimbauer JM. Earlobe Correction of the Pierced Ear: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Principles for Surgical Reconstruction. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. 2023 Mar-Apr;25(2):83-89. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2021.0269. 

Nassour N, Watfa W. Outcomes and complications of Traumatic ear lobe repair techniques: A systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022 Mar;21(3):910-923. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14223. 

Scott BL, Anderson Y, Loyo M, Kim MM. Repair of Gauged Earlobes: Case Series and Review of Two Techniques According to Size. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021 Jul-Sep;14(3):351-356. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_116_20.


Sadasivan K, Kochunarayanan A. A Revised Classification and Treatment Algorithm for Acquired Split Earlobe, With a Description of the Composite Technique and its Outcome. Cureus. 2020 Sep 13;12(9):e10422. doi: 10.7759/cureus.10422.

Ready to restore your earlobes?

To learn more about earlobe repair surgery, please call our Rancho Cucamonga cosmetic surgery center at (909) 987-0899 or fill out our contact form online.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Jacob Haiavy — Updated on Jan 30, 2025