Ear/Earlobe Procedures

We can correct a variety of ear and earlobe concerns. Whether you were born with protruding ears, need to repair ear damage from gauges or earring, or simply want to reduce the effects of aging, Dr. Patel has expertise in many different procedures to help create a natural looking result.

"Very professional environment. Doctor Patel has a very good bedside manner. He did an excellent job on my ear lobe."

"Dr. Anand was a kind, professional surgeon who helped fix my forever prominent ears. He walked me through the entire procedure from start to finish, explaining the details and pros/cons. The end result was pretty amazing and it has given me more confidence than I could ever imagine. I wholeheartedly recommend this caring physician to anyone."

“The experience from beginning to end was beautiful. Perfect balance between friendly/comforting and professional/capable."

Procedures

Earlobe Reduction

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. 

Gauge Earlobe Repair

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.


Candidates for gauge earlobe repair often describe having "grown out" of them and wanting more normal earlobes again. Gauge earlobe repair may be a simple or complicated procedure depending on how stretched the earlobe has become. In almost all cases, excess earlobe skin is removed and the remainder is flapped together to restore a round earlobe.

Split Earlobe Repair

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.

Otoplasty (Ear-Pinning)

Some people are born with protruding ears and have always felt self-conscious about them. Candidates for the otoplasty procedure describe never wanting to draw attention to their ears and growing their hair long to conceal them.  


The otoplasty procedure “pins back” the ear, making the ear less visible from the front. The upper, middle and lower parts of the ear may protrude differently on each side, so we customize the plan to ensure a symmetric, normal-looking end result.


It is more successful to perform this procedure earlier in life when the ear cartilage is less resistant to change.

Planning Your Procedure

Pre-Operation

  • The Consultation

    During the consultation, we want to get to know you and understand what makes you tick. We will review with you the changes you would like to make and their potential impact on your ears and life. We will also discuss your medical history and your current concerns. We will then examine your ears from both the front and side view to determine which components of your ears need to be addressed for an overall balanced treatment. 


    After the consultation, there is a second visit before surgery called a "pre-op." At this visit we will go into much greater detail about how to best prepare for the coming surgery. We offer a wealth of information about optimizing your recovery, ensuring proper healing, resuming normal activities, and avoiding complications.

The Surgery

  • How It's Done

    For otoplasty, soft tissue is removed from behind the ear and sometimes cartilage weakening procedures are performed to allow better re-positioning of the ear. Strong permanent sutures are used to pin the ear back to the area behind the ear. 


    For earlobe reductions, a wedge of tissue is removed from the area where the earlobe meets the face. This allows the incision to be better camouflaged. A similar concept is used for gauge earlobe repairs; however, we also must plan removal or excess skin and restructuring of a round earlobe.

  • Duration

    An otoplasty may take about 3 hours. Complicated gauge repair may take 1-2 hours. Earlobe reductions and split repairs take less than an hour. 

  • Anesthesia Options

    All ear operations may be performed in the office under local anesthesia. We prefer to schedule surgeries for small children and those desiring to be fully asleep during the procedure to the surgery center for general anesthesia. These are all outpatient procedures.

  • Incisions

    Otoplasty incisions are well-concealed along the backside of the ear. It is from here that the ear cartilage is molded. 


    For earlobe reductions and repairs, the incisions are both on the front and back of the earlobe.

Post-Operation

  • Recovery

    The typical at-home recovery time for otoplasty is 5-7 days. Immediately after, a light compression dressing is kept in place for a few days followed by a swim band to support the ears against the head for one to two weeks. Stitches behind the ear are removed between the first and second weeks. At this point, most patients feel comfortable being in public.


    Earlobe reductions and repairs can have down times as little as 1-2 days. The site is dressed with ointment alone. Stitches are removed after 5-7 days.

  • Pain

    The first night, you will feel a dull ache around your ears. Every day thereafter, any discomfort will reduce significantly. It is normal for ears to be a bit more sensitive for a few weeks.

  • Swelling & Bruising

    Swelling and bruising are expected and mostly subside in the first 2 weeks. Most bruising may be concealed with cover-up as it gradually fades. On average, 90% of the swelling subsides by 2 months. In general, earlobes take longer to heal. In the end, all swelling and bruising will go away.

Patient Transformations

male earlobe surgery before
male earlobe surgery after
before female earlobe surgery
after female earlobe surgery
Ear & Earlobe Gallery

Related Blog Posts

split earlobe repair surgery

Repairing Torn Earlobes With Split Earlobe Repair Surgery

By Anand Patel • March 23, 2021
Have your earlobes been damaged by earrings? We can repair split earlobes in a manner that restores a normal appearance to the earlobe.
guage earlobe repair split earlobe repair

3 Common Earlobe Issues and Procedures To Correct Them

By Anand Patel • December 8, 2020
At Visage Facial Plastic Surgery, we can correct a variety of ear and earlobe concerns. Whether you were born with protruding ears, need to repair ear damage from gauges or earring, or simply want to reduce the effects of aging, Dr. Patel has expertise in many different procedures to help create a natural looking result.
otoplasty ear pinning surgery

Otoplasty: The "Ear Pinning" Procedure For Protruding Ears

By Anand Patel • December 4, 2020
Protruding ears are a feature that some people are born with, often causing embarrassment and efforts to conceal them. The otoplasty procedure “pins back” the ears, making them less visible from the front.