- Tribal earlobe repair performed by expert consultant plastic surgeons
- Performed under local anaesthetic with minimal downtime
- Quality care throughout your surgical journey at our CQC rated clinics
- 0% Finance Available
What’s on this page
- About this Treatment
- Before & Afters
- What to Expect
- FAQs
- Our Clinics
- Things to Consider
- Patient Stories
- Why the Private Clinic
- Meet the Surgeons
- Related Blogs & News
Medically reviewed by Mr Mark Lloyd, BM, MRCS (Eng), MSc, IM&T(Health), M.Phil, FRCS(Plast), ECFMG. GMC Number 4425050, Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed November 28th 2023
Related Cosmetic Surgery
Tribal Earlobe Repair
Tribal earlobe piercings that are stretched to more than 10mm are unlikely to fully contract back to their original size. The altered shape of the earlobe then becomes difficult to hide and can negatively impact your appearance, social life or career.
Tribal or stretched earlobe repair is a quick and effective procedure that corrects the appearance of overstretched ear lobes as a result of tribal ear piercing.
It is important to see someone who is experienced in tribal earlobe repair and is able to precisely recreate the curve of your earlobe to avoid any unnatural-looking lumps or bumps.
Tribal ear repair at The Private Clinic is performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons who have extensive experience in ear correction surgery.
Tribal Earlobes at a glance
Procedure Time
15 – 20 mins per ear
Anaesthetic Type
Local anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
Daycase
Support Garment
None
Washing
1 day
Sleeping
Elevate head 1-2 weeks
Driving
1 day
Reasonably Mobile
Immediately
Sexual Activity
1 week
Back to work
1 – 2 days
Exercise
1 – 3 days
Travel
1 week
Full Recovery Time
4 – 6 weeks
Final Results
6 weeks
What is a tribal ear piercing?
Tribal ear piercing dates back to ancient tribes and civilizations where body modification was a major part of their culture including achieving social status, religious reasons or for beauty purposes.
Tribal ear piercing stems from an original traditional ear piercing that is then stretched using a cone shaped taper which is pushed further through the earlobe daily or using large sized tunnels to deliberately stretch the piercing hole to allow larger pieces of jewellery to be worn.
Who needs Tribal Earlobe Repair?
When the time comes to remove these pieces of jewellery it is often difficult for the ear to return to its original shape, particularly for ears that have been stretched to over 10mm. Tribal earlobe correction surgery is then required to fix the earlobe and restore its original shape and size.
Tribal earlobe correction is often requested for those struggling to secure jobs or promotions in the workplace. Other side effects of tribal earlobe piercing are keloid scarring which can cause pain and severe itchiness and skin sagging which can cause an unwanted appearance to the ears causing patients to avoid social situations or wear their hair short.
Ask us a question
Tribal Earlobe Repair Before & After Photos
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience. Take a look at some of our tribal earlobe repair results below.
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.
The Consultation
Tribal earlobe repair consultations will take place with one of our expert plastic surgeons.
During this consultation, your surgeon will be able to assess your suitability for surgery and discuss the options available.
Your surgeon will then also:
- Review your medical history
- Discuss your expectations from surgery
- Detail the risks and complications of Tribal earlobe repair surgery
- Go through the aftercare process
- Answer any questions that you may have
You will then be allocated a dedicated patient coordinator who will be your point of contact should you wish to go ahead with the procedure.
Pre-Operative Appointment
In the interests of patient safety, all our patients are assessed against our patient selection criteria. Following your tribal earlobe repair consultation your medical history will be reviewed and the pre-operative nurse will advise on pre-operative tests.
They will advise you of any precautions you need to take in the days or weeks leading up to your tribal earlobe procedure and advise on any medication that you should stop taking before your procedure.
Tribal Earlobe Repair Surgery
Tribal earlobe surgery may be performed in hospital or within one of our in-house clinic theatres under local anaesthetic. The procedure takes 15-20 minutes per ear to perform.
On arrival
- You will meet with the surgeon who will go through the procedure again and answer any questions.
- Pre-operative photos will be taken.
- You will be prepped for surgery by the nursing team.
The procedure
- Local anaesthetic will be injected into the treatment area.
- A wedge-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the ear.
- Any excess tissue is also removed.
- The two loose ends carefully stitched back together
- The earlobe will be closed up with absorbable stitches and you will have small dressings placed on the ear.
Once the surgeon and nursing team are happy that you are safe to return home, you will be discharged and allowed to leave accompanied by a family member or friend.
After your tribal earlobe repair procedure
Your surgeon will provide you with aftercare information to follow and any medication that you will be required to take during your recovery. You will also have information on how to contact us at any time should you feel worried or concerned at any point during your recovery.
The downtime after tribal earlobe repair surgery is minimal and many patients can return to work the day following their procedure. We recommend that strenuous exercise is avoided for 48 hours.
You will be required to attend a series of follow-up appointments at The Private Clinic which usually includes a 1-week check-up appointment with a nurse and then your 6-week post-operative appointment with your surgeon. At this stage, you should be fully healed and back to your everyday activities and your surgeon will be able to advise you on anything you are unsure of.
The Private Clinic have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you had ear stretchers and they were below 10mm the hole in your ear may naturally constrict back to a smaller size. If the hole is over 10mm then the hole will gradually shrink over time, but not enough so that it would not be noticeable and you will then require surgery to repair it.
We usually estimate 15-20 minutes of surgery per ear. This will vary depending on how big the ear is stretched and what technique is being used.
We carry out most tribal earlobe repair procedures under local anaesthetic. The procedure itself is very quick and we will ensure that you are not in any pain throughout the procedure. If you are feeling anxious about surgery then a sedative could also be used but general anaesthetic is not normally used.
You should not be in any pain during tribal earlobe repair surgery as both a topical numbing cream and a local anaesthetic will have been administered to the area being treated.
Post-surgery, you may start to feel a little discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. This can be managed with pain relief such as paracetamol.
Whilst you should be okay to drive following your procedure if it took place under local anaesthetic, we do recommend that you refrain from driving for 24 hours.
This is because everyone reacts differently to local anaesthetic and it does still have side effects for at least 24 hours.
We ask that patients arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home.
Tribal Earlobe Repair is Available in these Clinics
Things to Consider
Our advice on what to consider when deciding to have a tribal earlobe repair procedure:
1. When choosing a clinic, you should always do your research, and only go to an established, reputable clinic.
The Private Clinic has been in the cosmetic surgery industry for over 40 years. We are here to answer all of your questions and give you peace of mind.
2. When choosing a surgeon, make sure you know who you’ll be seeing. Their expertise, qualifications and patient satisfaction rate are important factors to take into consideration.
At The Private Clinic, we only source the most experienced and specialised surgeons. Find out more about our plastic surgeons here.
3. Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing where to have your treatment. Safety should be your number one priority and feeling confident that they will look after you – not only before, but also after your procedure
4. When it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Always find out what your clinic’s reputation is.
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape.
Patient Stories
Outstanding care, patient satisfaction and results mean everything to The Private Clinic Team
“Having an earlobe repair procedure has opened up a lot of new options and opportunities for me.”
Tribal Earlobe Repair – Sam
Why Choose The Private Clinic
- We are a multi-award-winning Cosmetic Surgery provider.
- We have over 40 years’ experience in Medical Cosmetic procedures and advanced non-surgical treatments.
- World class ear specialist surgeons.
- Dedicated care with your expert surgeon and nursing team, and a 24 hour help line.
- As many post-operative care appointments with your surgeon, doctor and nursing team as required.
- We have state of the art hospital facilities.
- 5 Star Trustpilot Rating.
Meet our Surgeons
We are proud to have some of the UK’s leading Consulting Plastic Surgeons working with us and together we strive to deliver effective solutions coupled with the best patient care available. All of our surgeons have extensive experience and knowledge has made them very well-respected within our industry. Tribal Earlobe Repair consultations are available at our Birmingham, London, and Northampton clinics.
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive, Cosmetic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
