Earlobes change with wear and time. Heavy earrings, a sudden pull, stretching with gauges, or simple aging can thin the tissue, widen a piercing, or tear the delicate earlobe. When shape or support is lost, precise office-based earlobe surgery can restore a natural contour. At RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Brooklyn, New York City, double board-certified facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Renata, performs various types of customized earlobe repair surgery under local anesthesia. Most procedures take approximately one hour and a re-piercing of the repaired earlobe is offered once healing is complete.
At RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery in New York City Earlobe Repair Surgery is a simple, outpatient procedure performed comfortably in the office under local anesthesia. Treatment typically takes about one hour, depending on whether one or both earlobes are being addressed.
The goal is to restore a natural, unaltered appearance to the earlobe. Common types of in-office earlobe procedures include:
Small tears or complete splits from heavy earrings, trauma, or accidental pulls can be precisely repaired, restoring smooth and continuous earlobe contours.
Over time, earring weight or frequent use can stretch piercing sites. These can be surgically refined to return the earlobe to its original shape, often allowing for re-piercing after healing.
For patients who previously wore gauges or plugs, the earlobe can be carefully reshaped and closed to restore a natural, rounded contour. The complexity of the procedure depends on the size of the gauge and how long the earlobe has been stretched. While most cases are comfortably performed under local anesthesia, sedation anesthesia may be recommended for more extensive reconstructions.
Earlobes may lengthen or sag with age. This procedure subtly reduces excess tissue to create a more proportionate and youthful contour.
One of the most common reasons patients seek Earlobe Surgery is a recent traumatic injury, such as an earring that accidentally tears through the skin. These are considered minor injuries and can often be treated the same day or soon after the incident.
This type of Earlobe Repair Surgery is performed comfortably in-office under local anesthesia. Once the area is numbed, the skin is cleansed and prepared in a sterile manner. The torn edges of the earlobe are then carefully refined and precisely closed using fine sutures to minimize any visible scarring. A critical part of the repair involves the meticulous approximation of delicate tissues to ensure the natural curvature of the earlobe heals smoothly, avoiding any notching or irregularities.
In most cases, dissolvable stitches are used to simplify aftercare and expedite recovery. Because the procedure is brief and well-tolerated, both earlobes can often be repaired in a single visit.
Over time, chronic tension on the earlobes from prolonged use of heavy earrings, repeated piercings, or the use of gauges, can cause gradual thinning and weakening of the tissue. These forces may lead to partial or full-thickness tears that appear healed, stretched or widened piercing tracts, and loss of natural support.
Gauged piercings create a permanent opening from prolonged stretching that does not close on its own, leaving the earlobe severely thinned and disproportionately stretched. Dr. Renata specializes in the reconstruction of gauged earlobes, performing complex closures and reshaping to restore a natural, rounded contour.
The more extensive the stretching, the more intricate the procedure becomes in order to gather and recontour thinned tissue into a smooth, rounded earlobe. For patients transitioning off gauges, Dr. Renata will discuss realistic earlobe size goals and determine whether a single-stage or staged repair is best to achieve the desired natural contour. Sedation anesthesia may be recommended for patient comfort when both earlobes are treated in the same session.
With time, the earlobes may show visible signs of aging due to gravity, long-term earring wear, and natural volume loss. Patients often notice that their earlobes appear elongated, thinned, droopy, or wrinkled. These age-related changes can be beautifully improved with anti-aging earlobe procedures, including earlobe reduction surgery and earlobe augmentation with dermal fillers. These treatments may be performed separately or in stages to achieve a comprehensive rejuvenation of the earlobe’s contour and volume.
At our practice in New York earlobe reduction surgery may also be combined with facelift or neck lift procedures to achieve a cohesive, natural outcome and prevent the undercorrection of the earlobes, which can otherwise reveal signs of prior aging or surgery.
Most earlobe repair procedures are completed in about one hour under local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home shortly after treatment. When appropriate, and depending on scheduling availability, straightforward repairs may even be performed on the same day as the consultation.
More complex cases, such as large gauge closures, revision earlobe surgery, or combined techniques involving both sides, may require separate scheduling or sedation anesthesia to allow for proper time planning and patient comfort. All care is delivered in a sterile, controlled environment with meticulous surgical technique to promote optimal healing and beautiful results.
Incision care begins the day after treatment with gentle cleansing and a thin layer of ointment for one week, followed by a bland moisturizer. New York Earlobe Surgery patients are advised to avoid pressure on the earlobes and, when possible, sleep on their back for several nights. Mild swelling or a light pressure sensation is common and usually managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Once the surface has healed, typically two to three weeks after surgery, silicone gel and gentle scar massage are recommended to further improve texture and appearance. Daily sun protection is essential to prevent discoloration as the scar matures.
While risks are uncommon, they may include infection, scarring, delayed healing, contour irregularities, asymmetry, or, rarely, keloid formation in predisposed patients. Close in-person follow-up and adherence to aftercare instructions are key to minimizing these risks and supporting the best possible outcome.
Earlobe incisions typically heal very well due to the naturally thin skin of the area. Over several months, any scarring generally becomes discreet and nearly imperceptible. Most patients are able to resume routine activities the very next day.
Re-piercing can be performed in the office once the repair has fully matured, usually between eight and twelve weeks, with the new piercing placed in an ideal position for long-term durability. Heavier or dangling earrings should be avoided for at least three months.
Pixie ear deformity occurs when the earlobe appears stretched or pulled downward at its attachment to the face, creating a “stuck-on” appearance. It most commonly develops after a facelift or necklift performed under increased tension.
Correcting a pixie ear is more complex than a standard Earlobe Repair Surgery, as it usually requires addressing the underlying tension from a prior facelift rather than just the earlobe. Simple in-office repair is often insufficient. The deformity should be evaluated in the context of overall facial appearance and time since the previous facelift to determine the best technique and timing.
For some patients, it may be best to wait until a facelift revision to release the tension causing the pixie ear. When a pixie ear is incised, a large “gap” often forms between the skin edges, reflecting this tension, which makes repair more challenging and increases the risk of future visible scarring. However, if several years have passed and the skin has softened with some laxity, a smaller procedure may sometimes be performed safely. Choosing a surgeon experienced in facial rejuvenation and revision facelift surgery is essential for managing pixie ear deformity.
We offer surgeon-based care focused on highlighting your unique beauty. Possessing a keen eye, gentle touch, and deft technical skill, Dr. Renata stays at the forefront of aesthetic medicine to bring you the highest level of care available, tailoring every service to your unique needs.
Our state-of-the-art facial aesthetic clinic is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn, in New York City. We cater to the local areas, including Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Williamsburg, Long Island City, and Cobble Hill, as well as Manhattan and New York City at large. Patients can expect a premium experience in our luxury office setting, where attention to privacy and one-on-one care create a professionally tranquil and high-quality visit.
A double-board-certified facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Renata Khelemsky specializes in enhancing natural beauty. A Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and diplomate of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, her personalized approach begins with a comprehensive analysis of your facial features, ensuring each transformation celebrates your unique individuality.
Learn More About Dr. Renata
Call (646) 558-3757 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation for earlobe surgery. Our tailored approach to earlobe procedures and expert-level care set us apart from other providers, ensuring a top-notch experience that unveils your natural beauty. Schedule your personalized consultation with New York Facial Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Renata Khelemsky, today.
Yes. Most Earlobe Repair Surgery is comfortably performed in the office using local anesthesia. Patients remain awake, pain-free, and can go home shortly after the procedure. For more complex repairs, such as extensive earlobe reconstruction or gauged earlobes, sedation may be recommended.
In many cases, yes. If your earlobes are suitable for a straightforward repair or reduction surgery, and the schedule allows, the procedure can often be done the same day. More complex repairs, such as gauge closures or revisions, usually require a separate appointment for proper planning and time allowance.
Gauged earlobe repair involves removing overstretched tissue and carefully reshaping the remaining tissue to recreate a natural, rounded earlobe with a defined lower border. The procedure uses advanced suture techniques and tissue flaps, tailored to the size of the defect and thickness of the tissue. The goal is to restore symmetry as much as possible and create smooth, natural-looking edges. Healing may take longer than a straightforward repair due to the complexity and number of sutures used.
A faint, fine-line scar is expected. It is typically placed along the natural curves of the earlobe to remain discreet. With proper care, including silicone gel, post-operative laser treatments offered in our practice, gentle massages, and daily sun protection, scars typically soften and fade as they mature. Over time, this leads to an excellent cosmetic result.
Re-piercing is generally recommended between eight and twelve weeks after surgery, once the repair has fully matured. If there are concerns with early healing or signs of thickened scar tissue, re-piercing may need to be postponed by several additional weeks.
Ear re-piercing of the repaired ear is available in our office and is included in the total surgeon’s fee. We do not offer additional cosmetic piercings, which patients may choose to have done elsewhere at their convenience. Detailed instructions are provided on the type of stud and clasp to use, as well as proper care for your new piercing.
Yes. Earlobe reduction surgery is designed to shorten, reshape, and refine the size of the earlobes. Common causes of elongated earlobes include natural aging, chronic use of heavy earrings, prior surgery such as facelift, or gauges. Both earlobes are usually evaluated during treatment planning, and each may require a slightly different amount of reduction to achieve a symmetrical result.
Complications are uncommon and include infection, bleeding, delayed healing, contour irregularity, asymmetry, hypertrophic scarring, and keloid formation in predisposed patients. Careful technique and adherence to aftercare reduce these risks.
Fees vary based on unilateral versus bilateral repair, the complexity of gauge closure, and whether reduction is performed at the same time. A personalized estimate is provided during the consultation, and financing options may be available. General pricing of surgical procedures including Earlobe Repair Surgery can be found in our Service Menu.
Yes. Earlobe surgery can be combined with other facial surgical procedures, most commonly with Otoplasty or a Deep-Plane Facelift. Earlobe surgery may also be combined in the office with non-surgical treatments, including CO₂ laser resurfacing, Botox, and dermal fillers, among others, when deemed appropriate. Safety and recovery considerations are reviewed during your consultation.
At RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery, we prioritize privacy. While many Before & After photos are featured on our website and social media channels, we understand not everyone wishes to share them publicly. To respect our patients’ unique preferences, we invite you to explore a more comprehensive Before & After gallery during your consultation in our office.
Life can be demanding, and we understand. For patients who may be traveling, preparing for a last-minute occasion, or simply looking for a more exclusive experience without any inconvenience or delays, we are pleased to offer preferred patient scheduling. Patients may undergo a personal consultation as well as tailored cosmetic treatments during evening hours or weekends. Appointments are required and premium rates apply. Please call our office to inquire about preferred patient scheduling and allow us to create an exceptional experience just for you.
Request a ConsultationAt RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery, patients receive excellent customer service, communication, personal attention, and scheduling flexibility. Located in the historical and breathtaking waterfront neighborhood of DUMBO, Brooklyn in New York City, our office serves local neighborhoods including Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Williamsburg, and Cobble Hill, as well as Manhattan and New York City at large.
Our office location is:
58 Prospect Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Monday - Friday: 8:30AM to 4:30PM Saturday (by appointment only): 9:30 to 2:30PM
