As we age, it is common for the earlobe to become elongated, making the ear look larger. Ears do not really "grow" with aging but seem to due to increased laxity and sagging of the earlobe. The earlobe reduction procedure removes extra tissue from the earlobe thereby reducing it to a more proportionate size. Candidates for this earlobe reduction often also have excess skin laxity and/or jowling and may benefit from a lifting procedure. However, simply reducing earlobe size may create a more youthful appearance. 

In patients who have or have had gauge earrings, the earlobes have become stretched due to the pressure of the earring. This elongation is permanent and will not restore to normal size even after gauge earrings are discontinued. The earlobe reduction procedure not only removes extra tissue from the earlobe but also shapes it to have a more normal appearance.

Over time, earrings may pull through a piercing and create a partial or complete split in the earlobe. We can repair split earlobes in a manner that restores a normal appearance to the earlobe and allows future re-piercing.