Earlobe Repair Surgery

Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the appearance of split or stretched earlobes medically known as a lobuloplasty.

A split earlobe is when there is a separation of the skin on the lobe which causes a split-like appearance which can be undesirable.

This split can make wearing earrings difficult or uncomfortable as they are likely to pull on the split or not sit aesthetically within the earlobe.

A stretched earlobe is when the lobe has been purposely stretched using various ear taper tools and plugs to create an enlarged appearance. Stretched or tribal earlobe repair is a slightly different surgical procedure that often requires earlobe reconstruction.

You can find out more information about stretched earlobe repair here.

Split earlobes are caused when the skin of the ear becomes weak and prone to stretching where the ear piercing hole is located.

Split earlobes are most commonly caused when earrings catch on clothing and they pull and tear the skin. They can also be caused by wearing heavy earrings for long periods of time.

The split in your ear may naturally constrict back to a smaller size if you don’t wear earrings, or don’t wear heavy earrings but the area will be weak and usually prone to splitting again once you start wearing earrings again.

Earlobe repair usually takes around 15-20 minutes per ear.

Earlobe repair surgery is usually carried out under local anaesthetic.

You should feel no pain during the procedure as both a topical numbing cream and local anaesthetic are applied to the area. As the local anaesthetic gradually wears off post-procedure you may feel a little discomfort which can easily be managed with pain relief such as paracetamol.

Split earlobe repair with rotation flap is a technique which allows patients to be able to safely wear earrings again two weeks after their procedure instead of having to wait 6 months. This is because the existing ear-piercing hole is preserved during the procedure.

We usually recommend that you sleep with an extra pillow following earlobe surgery as this will elevate your head and reduce any bruising or swelling for 1-2 weeks.

You will be able to pierce your ears again after surgery. We usually recommend that you wait 3-6 months before doing this to ensure the earlobe has fully healed.

We would also recommend that you only wear small stud earrings to begin with as your earlobe will be weaker and heavy earrings are only worn for short periods.

If you have rotational flap earlobe surgery then you are often able to wear earrings 2 weeks following your procedure. This can be advised by your surgeon after your procedure.

You will not require any time off work after earlobe surgery and most patients return to work the following day.

If you work a particularly strenuous job or within a dusty environment then it may be best to take a couple of days for the earlobe to heal. Your stitches may still be visible for up to a week post-procedure so you may require additional time off work if you are in a cosmetically sensitive job.

We recommend that strenuous exercise is avoided for at least 3 weeks to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling post-procedure.

Gentle light exercise can be resumed after a week.

Whilst you are likely to be fine to drive yourself home following a split earlobe repair procedure. We do advise that you arrange for a friend or family member to drive you.

Local anaesthetic can affect every patient differently and because of this, we advise it is best to avoid driving for 24 hours post-procedure.

You will be able to shower and wash your hair 48 hours after your procedure. Take care not to get the earlobe excessively wet and that you pat dry the area afterwards.

It can take 6-8 weeks to fully heal following split earlobe repair.

Each patient will heal at different rates and factors such as age, skin type, and the extent of the earlobe damage will all contribute to the variability in full healing times.

The stitches used for earlobe repair are usually absorbable stitches which mean they will naturally dissolve within 2 weeks. If it has been two weeks and they are still visible, then they can be removed at a post-op appointment.

If your stitches were not absorbable, an appointment will be made for your stitch’s removal. This us usually after 7-10 days.

You will have a very thin linear scar on your earlobe post-procedure. This should gradually fade over time becoming almost unnoticeable.

As with any surgical procedure, there are always risks but earlobe repair is a very safe procedure. Common complications include poor scaring and infection.

We offer a free split earlobe repair phone and video consultations with an experienced patient adviser.

They will provide information on the best earlobe repair surgeons to suit your requirements.

In order to secure the timed appointment we will ask for a £25 refundable deposit. This is refunded once the consultation takes place. You can change your appointment time up to 48 hours before.

Contact us to book your free phone or video consultation.

All sizes of earlobe splits can be repaired.

Our surgeons have a variety of techniques to suit all types of earlobe splits. The most effective method for you can be decided following a consultation where your ear can be assessed and your desired outcome from surgery discussed.

Topical numbing cream will be applied to your earlobes before local anaesthesia is injected into the lobe.

Once numb, your ear will then be wiped down and sterile drapes will be placed around the ear.

The technique of correcting a stretched earlobe will vary slightly depending on the shape and size but generally, a section of tissue will be removed and the open ends are then stitched back together with absorbable stitches and a bandage will be applied.

Earlobe repair surgery is permanent so unless you decide to stretch your earlobes or you wear certain earrings that may stretch the ear again – your earlobe surgery results should be unaffected.

Split Earlobe Repair Cost UK

The cost of a Split Earlobe Correction Surgery starts from £570 (unilateral) to approximately £1,060 (bilateral).

Split earlobe correction with rotational flap surgery starts from £1000 (unilateral) to £1,400 (bilateral).

We also offer Tribal Earlobe / Stretched earlobe correction. Click here to find out more.

We don’t follow a one-price-fits-all policy and prices are quoted on a case by case basis. You will be given an accurate quote for your requirements following your consultation.

Consultations with our plastic surgeons are £100 at our clinics in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

We also offer consultations with our highly experienced Patient Coordinators which require a £25 refundable deposit to secure your place. These are available in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

Patient coordinators are able to offer you all the information you require prior to meeting a surgeon.

Please note all consultations available at our Harley Street clinic are with a surgeon.

The Private Clinic has clinics across the UK so we are sure to have an expert split earlobe repair surgeon located near you.

Our clinics are in;

Where can I get split earlobe repair in London?

London – 98 Harley Street, W1G7HZ

Where can I get split earlobe repair in Manchester?

Manchester – 25 St John Street, M3 4DT

Where can I get split earlobe repair in Birmingham?

Birmingham – 88 Hagley Road, B16 8LU – West Midlands

Where can I get split earlobe repair in Leeds?

Leeds – 45 Park Square North, LS1 2NP – Yorkshire

Where can I get split earlobe repair in Northampton?

Northampton – 82 Billing Road, NN1 5DF – East Midlands

To find out more about booking a consultation at a clinic near you, contact us here.