Is Earlobe Repair Painful?

Most patients report that earlobe repair is not painful. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in the office so that you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, mild soreness and minimal swelling are common for a few days, but these symptoms are manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

In general, earlobe repair requires just a few visits: an initial consultation, the procedure itself, and one or two follow-up appointments for suture removal (1 week) and to monitor your healing and results. During your consultation, Dr. Walker will outline your personalized timeline based on the complexity of your case. Many patients complete their journey within a few weeks, with most follow-ups focused on ensuring proper healing of their ears.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll see the results immediately, although with sutures in place for 1 week, though swelling and bruising may partially obscure the final outcome for up to 2–3 weeks. Once healing is complete, your results will look natural and permanent. It is recommended not to re-pierce the ears for the first 6 months to minimize the chance of recurrence, infection, or poor cosmetic outcome.

Can I Combine Earlobe Repair With Other Procedures?

Yes, earlobe repair can be safely combined with any other facial procedure, depending on your goals and overall health. Some patients choose to pair it with facelift, otoplasty, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, or even eyelid surgery for a more comprehensive facial transformation. Dr. Walker will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss whether combining procedures is a good option for you during your consultation in Atlanta.

What Are the Risks Associated With Earlobe Repair?

As with any surgical procedure, earlobe repair carries some potential risks, though serious complications are exceedingly rare. Risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, overcorrection or undercorrection, and unfavorable scarring. Some patients may also experience changes in skin sensation around the ears, though this is usually temporary. Choosing a skilled Facial Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Walker significantly reduces these risks, as his experience and meticulous technique help promote safe, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing results.

Earlobe Repair

Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA

Split earlobes can occur for many reasons, including heavy earrings, gauges, or acute trauma, which can occur if an earring is pulled through the earlobe. Earlobe repair is a popular procedure done to correct a split or gauged earlobe to allow you to wear earrings again or to restore ungauged earlobes. At our state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Walker will thoroughly examine your earlobes to determine the amount of repair needed and will customize a surgical plan to help achieve the results you desire. Walker MD Facial Plastic Surgery is located 12 minutes from Brookhaven and 15 minutes from Buckhead.

Before & Afters

What is Earlobe Repair?

When the earlobes are stretched out due to wearing heavy earrings or ear gauges, it can result in large, protruding, deformed, or ripped earlobes. Individuals with thin earlobes are particularly predisposed to experiencing a tear in their lobes. Earlobe repair is done to restore the normal contour and shape of the earlobe. It is a fairly quick outpatient procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia, and patients can return home immediately thereafter. Both men and women can benefit from this popular procedure, resulting in fully restored earlobes to get you ready for your next job interview or next ear piercing.

What Are the Benefits of Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair is a quick, low-risk, outpatient procedure that offers both cosmetic and functional benefits. Whether your earlobes have been stretched from gauges, torn from heavy earrings, or damaged due to trauma, this treatment can restore a natural, balanced appearance. For many patients, the procedure brings a renewed sense of confidence, especially for those re-entering the workforce or simply wanting to wear earrings again. Once healed, most patients find that their earlobes look more youthful, symmetrical, and proportional to the rest of their facial features. Best of all, the results are long-lasting, and most people can re-pierce their ears after a short wait period.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Earlobe Repair?

Men or women who wish to repair their stretched, torn, or gauged earlobe(s) can benefit from earlobe repair. Be sure to tell Dr. Walker if you have a history of excessive scarring or keloid formation, and whether or not you wish to wear earrings in the future. During your consultation appointment in Atlanta, Dr. Walker will examine your earlobes and determine the best treatment option for you.

What’s the First Step?

The first step toward earlobe repair is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Walker. During this visit in Atlanta, he will evaluate the condition of your earlobes, review your medical history, and discuss your aesthetic goals. If you have a history of keloids or excessive scarring, be sure to share this with Dr. Walker, as it may influence your treatment plan. He’ll explain what you can expect from the procedure, answer your questions, and develop a customized approach tailored to your specific needs. Once you feel comfortable and informed, our team will guide you through the next steps, including scheduling your procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Earlobe Repair Surgery

Earlobe repair is generally performed in the office using local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Depending on the extent of your earlobe damage, different techniques may be employed. For drooping or stretched earlobes that have been torn, Dr. Walker will remove the skin lining the tear, close the tear, and let it heal. The size of your earlobe may be marginally smaller than it was prior to the tear. Depending on the extent of your procedure, you should be able to have your ears re-pierced after 6 months.

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Earlobe Repair Recovery

You may experience mild discomfort following your earlobe repair procedure, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. Any swelling, if present, can be controlled with cold compresses. While no dressings are necessary after surgery, you will be instructed to apply an antibiotic ointment to the treated area. It is advised that clients do not sleep on their ears or place direct pressure on their ears until sutures are removed, which is about 5-7 days after the procedure. Dr. Walker will provide specific instructions on how to care for your incision site and when you can return to everyday activities.

How Much Does Earlobe Repair Cost in Atlanta, GA?

The cost of Earlobe Repair in Atlanta is about $800 per ear. This can vary depending on the complexity of the repair, the number of tears, whether one or both earlobes are being treated, and if any additional procedures are performed at the same time. At WalkerMD, we provide each patient with a personalized quote during the consultation. Our team will walk you through the pricing, available payment options, and any financing plans you may qualify for.

Why Choose Dr. Walker?

In plastic surgery, expertise and trust are essential, and Dr. Thomas Walker exemplifies both. As a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon practicing in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Walker prioritizes a patient-centered approach while consistently achieving natural, refined results. His memberships with prestigious organizations such as the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), and the American Medical Association (AMA) underscore his commitment to excellence and ongoing professional growth.

Schedule Your
Consultation

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your earlobe(s), we’re here to help. Contact our Atlanta office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas Walker, where you’ll receive personalized care and attention. Our team is dedicated to answering all your questions and guiding you through the earlobe repair process with compassion and expertise.

WalkerMD Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.

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Earlobe Repair FAQ’S

In general, earlobe repair requires just a few visits: an initial consultation, the procedure itself, and one or two follow-up appointments for suture removal (1 week) and to monitor your healing and results. During your consultation, Dr. Walker will outline your personalized timeline based on the complexity of your case. Many patients complete their journey within a few weeks, with most follow-ups focused on ensuring proper healing of their ears.
You’ll see the results immediately, although with sutures in place for 1 week, though swelling and bruising may partially obscure the final outcome for up to 2–3 weeks. Once healing is complete, your results will look natural and permanent. It is recommended not to re-pierce the ears for the first 6 months to minimize the chance of recurrence, infection, or poor cosmetic outcome.
Yes, earlobe repair can be safely combined with any other facial procedure, depending on your goals and overall health. Some patients choose to pair it with facelift, otoplasty, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, or even eyelid surgery for a more comprehensive facial transformation. Dr. Walker will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss whether combining procedures is a good option for you during your consultation in Atlanta.
As with any surgical procedure, earlobe repair carries some potential risks, though serious complications are exceedingly rare. Risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, overcorrection or undercorrection, and unfavorable scarring. Some patients may also experience changes in skin sensation around the ears, though this is usually temporary. Choosing a skilled Facial Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Walker significantly reduces these risks, as his experience and meticulous technique help promote safe, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing results.

Schedule a Consultation

To discuss your facial plastic surgery options with Dr. Walker, please schedule a consultation. For your comfort and safety, if you are unable to meet in out Atlanta office, we are currently offering secure telehealth appointments.