Whether you are male or female, or your hair is long or short, or you wear earrings or not, your ears affect your appearance. The earlobes are especially noticeable, and if there are aesthetic issues with your lobes, it can be impossible to wear your hair up or wear a pair of cute earrings.

Earlobe repair surgery from board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Ariel Ostad can help restore the natural shape of your earlobes. New York women and men enjoy a more natural, professional look thanks to his skill and artistry. Find out more about earlobe repair and how we can help you!

What Is Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair is a relatively minor surgery that restores appealing lobe shape to frame your face attractively. For the most part, the procedure is done to address damage and deformities caused by trauma or aging.

The procedure is ideal for the person who has:

Stretched earlobes from heavy jewelry or years of wearing pierced earrings
Elongated piercings or tears from trauma (such as a baby yanking on an earring)
Enjoyed wearing gauges or plugs but now wants earlobes returned to their original shape and size

Earlobe repair is often recommended when the skin has been too damaged to spring back on its own. For this procedure, excess skin is removed until the ear has regained its normal shape.

How Earlobe Repair Works

Earlobe repair is an outpatient procedure that is performed in Dr. Ostad’s American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facility (AAAASF) accredited surgical facility. It typically takes about an hour, with little or no downtime. The ear is cleansed and numbed with local anesthesia. Small incisions are then made to reshape inner tissues behind the lobe and the visible front surface. Dr. Ostad uses extremely fine sutures to close the site for minimal scarring.

The doctor may prescribe antibiotics and topical ointment. Usually, over-the-counter analgesics are enough to manage residual discomfort but make sure to talk with Dr. Ostad if you have concerns about this. The site is protected with a small sterile bandage for a few days.

Common Treatment Areas

EMSCULPT NEO® is a highly customizable treatment that can be used to treat a variety of areas. Ideally, it should be done in areas with pinchable fat, but it can also be effective for improving muscle tone. The 10 body areas that EMSCULPT NEO® is often used to treat are the following:

Abdomen
Flanks
Buttocks
Inner Thighs
Outer Thighs
Front Thighs
Back Thighs
Biceps
Triceps
Calves

Depending on your body goals, you may get one or more of these areas treated. A consultation with Dr. Ostad is recommended to enjoy optimal results.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Customized Consultations

Whether you want to correct an intentional alteration to your ear or repair damage caused by trauma, an earlobe repair can help you reach the desired results. Each treatment is customized after undergoing a consultation with Dr. Ariel Ostad. This procedure offers a convenient way to create better symmetry and proportions for your earlobes, therein improving their overall aesthetics.

Treatment Process

Earlobe repairs are standard when it comes to the treatment process. While the extent of the damage might warrant different approaches and suture types, Dr. Ostad follows a series of practical steps every time. This ensures the procedure is safe and effective, setting the grounds for smooth healing.

Below are the steps that you can expect:

Initial Consultation: Here, Dr. Ostad will assess the status of your earlobe and discuss your goals for the final aesthetic. Your health condition and other relevant factors will also be addressed at this point.

Surgical Site Preparation: Dr. Ostad will cleanse the area thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection. Local anesthesia will also be administered to keep the experience pain-free and comfortable.

Earlobe Repair: The damaged and stretched excess skin will be removed to create clean edges that allow Dr. Ostad to suture everything together.

Wound Post-Treatment: Once the stitches are in place, Dr. Ostad will apply an ointment or light dressing to protect the wound. These should stay in place for at least a few days until the initial healing stage is done.

Suture Removal: If removable sutures are used, Dr. Ostad will ask you to return after about a week to take them off. Your healing progress will also be observed during this time.

Most patients experience very little discomfort during the procedure and the first few hours, mainly due to the anesthesia. If your line of work involves little labor (i.e., you have a desk job), you can return immediately if you want. However, you can take a couple of days off to promote recovery if the potential for sweating is high.

The stitches come off or dissolve quickly, but full recovery can take four to seven weeks. Scarring is usually minimal, but if it bothers you, it can be addressed with laser techniques to reduce their visibility and intensity.

Benefits of Earlobe Repair

Improved Aesthetic Appearance

The main benefit of earlobe repair is its ability to restore earlobe deformities, offering your ears a more natural look. The ears should be more symmetrical as they heal, which offer a more balanced look with the rest of your face.

Restored Functionality

When the earlobe is damaged, the ability to wear earrings is reduced. Even if the ear was intentionally stretched to fit plugs or gauges, wearing regular earrings is difficult, as they will slip through the gap. Earlobe repair can ensure the proper fit, regardless of the object you want to fit in and on the ear (e.g., hearing aids).

Versatile Procedure

Earlobe repairs are quite versatile procedures, as they can be used to address both trauma-related damage and intentional modifications. Depending on the patient’s goals, these procedures can be customized for enhancement and reduction.

Minimal Downtime Potential

The incisions required for an earlobe repair are usually small and do not bother the average person. In most cases, you should be able to return to your daily routine soon after your procedure.

Improved Confidence

An earlobe repair can boost your confidence, helping you feel more comfortable wearing earrings or putting your hair up. You’ll no longer have to grow your hair out for the sole purpose of concealing your ears.

Permanent Results

Once the earlobe has been repaired and healed, the effect is permanent. Provided you don’t stretch your ears again by wearing gauges or plugs or don’t allow trauma to happen, you can enjoy these results for a very long time.

Before & After

This patient was bothered by the tear in her earlobe. So, we performed an earlobe repair which has healed beautifully within the past 2 months!

An earlobe repair is a short procedure and can typically take about 8 weeks to heal fully. Once it is fully healed, you can have your ears repierced like this patient did!

Reviews

Earlobe Repair for Medical Conditions

Beyond Cosmetic Uses

Aside from the usual aesthetic concerns, earlobe repairs may also be used to address medical or functional issues. For instance, stretched earlobes can become particularly painful or sensitive, which an earlobe repair can fix. Should the damage be caused by trauma, earlobe repair can help ensure proper tissue healing.

Earlobe repairs can also be used to offer support for hearing aids. For instance, a stretched earlobe or other deformity may not be able to support hearing aids correctly, and an ear repair can improve comfort and fit.

Success Stories

“I have been to other well known dermatologists and can compare different doctors. Dr. Ostad spent enough time with me to answer my questions and explain the procedures. He is kind, serious, and professional. I have sensitive skin and bruise easily. The injections were so skillfully done that there was minimal swelling and no redness.” Anonymous

“Dr Ostad’s kindness and leadership is reflected onto his staff. The nurses and technicians are smart, skilled, kind and wonderful. I love coming to this practice and travel from Florida because I have the ultimate trust in Dr. Ostad. He is an excellent dermatological surgeon. His cosmetic procedures are always subtle and effective as documented by serial photos in one’s file. He is very patient and does everything he can to put patients at ease. He has done multiple varieties of procedures on myself and my daughters and treated them with various medications which totally cleared severe acne. I cannot say enough how much I appreciate his knowledge and his professionalism. He’s the BEST, and his employees are as well.” Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions

When Can I Have My Earlobes Re-Pierced After Earlobe Repair?

If you choose to have your ears re-pierced, you may do so when healing is complete, which usually takes about eight weeks.

Can I Exercise After an Earlobe Repair?

While walking is fine right after an earlobe repair treatment, you should rest for at least two days. Sweating increases the risk of infection, which may delay healing. Avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks, especially if your ear might be bumped.

How Long Will I Need to Get the Earlobe Repair Procedure?

Earlobe repairs are usually simple and take 15 to 60 minutes per ear, depending on the damage. Small repairs can be done during a lunch break, but taking the day off after the procedure is recommended.

Will I Get a Scar After the Earlobe Repair Treatment?

There is a minimal potential for scarring after extensive earlobe repair treatments. Scars typically fade over time, and strategic stitching keeps scarring discreet. Laser-assisted scar revision can further reduce scarring.

Can I Use an Earlobe Repair to Reduce Sagging Caused by Aging?

Yes, earlobe repairs can reshape elongated earlobes caused by aging. The procedure is especially effective when combined with skin-tightening treatments to achieve a firm, youthful look.

How Long Will It Take for the Earlobe to Heal?

Healing usually takes around six weeks, depending on trauma severity and post-procedure care. Use ointments as directed and wear sunblock once the wound closes to protect the area.

Can I Get Earlobe Repair If I’ve Had Multiple Piercings?

Yes, earlobe repair surgery can address multiple holes in the lobe during the same session for seamless results.

What Side Effects Can I Experience After an Earlobe Repair Procedure?

Earlobe repairs are generally safe, but mild tenderness, redness, swelling, and bruising may occur. These side effects typically resolve within a week and can be managed with OTC medication.

How Much Will It Cost to Get an Earlobe Repair Done?

Earlobe repair costs vary. For more information, call our practice at 212-517-7900.

About. Dr. Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is triple board certified in Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery and is an Associate Clinical Professor at NYU, teaching residents how to perform flawless surgeries. Renowned for his experience with both surgical and non-surgical procedures, Dr. Ostad has been recognized as a leader in the domain, offering personalized treatment plans to his patients. As New York’s top surgeon and cosmetic specialist, he is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, offering beautiful results to clients in the Upper East Side of Manhattan and beyond.

Earlobe repair procedures are available at Dr. Ostad’s practice in New York City, where he offers personalized treatment plans and top-quality care.

Have More Questions?

If you have questions that have not been addressed in this FAQ section, please contact us at our office. We want your decisions to be well-researched, so we will offer you all the information you might need.

Expert Answers

What can I do to maintain the results long-term?

Avoid wearing heavy earrings.
Choose high-quality earrings with secure backings.
Refrain from placing piercings too close to the edge of the earlobe

When can I re-pierce my ears?

It is recommended to wait at least 6–8 weeks before re-piercing the ears.

What does recovery look like?

Patients can usually return to work and normal activities the same day.
Stitches are typically removed after 7 days.
Full healing takes about 6–8 weeks.

Combining Earlobe Repair with Other Treatments

Complementary Treatments

Dr. Ostad often combines earlobe repairs with numerous complementary treatments to improve results, with some common options being dermal fillers. HA (hyaluronic acid) is known for its ability to retain moisture, which makes it a crucial component in maintaining skin hydration, plumpness, and elasticity. Many patients complain of wrinkled, thin earlobes and stretching of the ear-piercing hole due to collagen loss, which HA fillers can treat.

The procedure might also be combined with scar revision when a lot of tissue was removed and a small scar was formed. This can be corrected surgically, but Dr. Ostad uses numerous non-invasive procedures to help naturally reduce the scar. Treatments like laser resurfacing can also be used to address potential discoloration caused by earlobe repair.

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Dr. Ostad believes in a holistic approach to rejuvenation and aesthetics, so he often combines earlobe repairs with other procedures. By tackling multiple concerns at the same time, the downtime is kept at a minimum, and the long-term results are more natural. From facelifts to injectables and laser procedures, we offer various treatments that work effectively together with earlobe repairs.

Latest Trends and Innovations

Advanced Techniques

Over the years, earlobe repair has seen numerous advancements in technology, improving not only patient experience but also the recovery rate. Laser-assisted repairs have become frequent, offering more precision while keeping the trauma minimal.

For better effects, the procedure is used alongside treatments like PRP injections or dermal fillers to promote better healing while restoring plumpness. Nowadays, most surgeons use ultra-fine dissolvable stitches that reduce the chances of scarring while making the recovery more convenient.

Innovative Uses

While earlobe repair was primarily created for cosmetic reasons, the procedure is now used for some unique applications. For instance, if a deformed ear makes it difficult for you to wear hearing aids, earlobe repair can help secure their position and potentially improve their effectiveness.

Recent advancements also make it possible to use the earlobe repair procedure to perform an “earlobe lift.” In this case, small incisions are hidden in the natural fold to remove excess skin and provide a subtle change. This innovative procedure is especially convenient for those wishing to reverse aging signs.

Safety and Expertise

Why Choose Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is one of the few cosmetic providers in New York who holds triple certification, being an expert in dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Not only will he be able to flawlessly perform the surgery with as few complications as possible, but the results should also be beautiful and superior. With his specialization in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, he makes use of the latest technologies to keep the recovery symptoms at a minimum while working on the finer details.

Dr. Ostad created his practice in New York to cater to patient comfort. Using the latest advancements, Dr. Ostad and his team always stay ahead of the curve when it comes to skin repair and aesthetic dermatology, sculpting your features in an attractive way. Patients feel more confident in showing different areas of their face and body once they have undergone their recovery.

List of Credentials:

Triple Board Certification in Mohs Surgery, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Top Earlobe Repair Specialist in New York
Training graduate at Harvard, UCLA, and NYU
Top-Rated Mohs Micrographic Surgery Provider
NYU Dermatologic Surgical Attending of the Year (Named 3 Times)
Listed by Castle Connolly as Top Doctor between 2012 and 2024
New York Super Doctor (2014-2024)
Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Department of Dermatology

Commitment to Safety

Dr. Ariel Ostad’s practice is meant to be aesthetically pleasing, comfortable for the patient, and safe. For this reason, he respects all the standards of cleanliness and sanitation. His office respects all hygiene regulations, prioritizing the patient’s health during every procedure.

Over time, Dr. Ostad has invested in numerous therapeutic devices like lasers, body sculpting, and skin-tightening machines. The premises feature an on-site lab, which Dr. Ostad uses for Mohs micrographic surgery but can also be employed for other diagnostics purposes. For instance, if your earlobe repair involves the removal of suspicious growths, Dr. Ostad can analyze its content and check your health.

Dr. Ostad has all the tools to safely perform every outpatient procedure, as his office features AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) authorization. This allows the practice to perform as a surgical facility.

Awards and Certifications

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