Dr. Karen Horton has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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Dr. Karen Horton, a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area, offers a range of cosmetic ear surgery procedures, including earlobe reduction, split lobule repair and repiercing, and earlobe reconstruction after removal of gauges. Dr. Horton provides surgical and non-surgical options, whether you are looking for correction of split earlobes or rejuvenation for aging earlobes.
Earlobes can tear due to wearing heavy earrings for many years, trauma, or accidents. Dr. Horton specializes in surgical procedures to repair torn earlobes, restoring their natural shape and allowing patients to re-pierce their ears if desired. Often, the earlobe is not completely split—the elongated piercing is often reconstructed as for a complete tear to allow for the most aesthetic earlobe outcome.
The earlobe repair procedure, performed under loupe magnification, takes about an hour to perform. Surgery is offered under local anesthetic with inhaled laughing gas if desired. Patients should bring small, hypoallergenic earrings (gold, sterling silver or surgical steel—ideally the size of a dime or smaller) to wear post-surgery to maintain the piercing while healing for up to three months. Dissolving sutures are used, exercise should be avoided for two weeks, and heavy earrings should be avoided to prevent future stretching.
Over time, the external ear experiences “photo-aging,” and like other parts of the body, earlobes lose collagen and elastin, resulting in a droopy and deflated lobule. Surgical earlobe reduction can correct elongated and stretched-out earlobes or past piercing holes that have assumed a more oblong or vertical shape, forming a permanent crease in the earlobe that can accentuate one’s age.
Like torn earlobe repair, earlobe rejuvenation is done in the office as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and takes approximately an hour. Drooping or malpositioned earlobes are “lifted” by making tiny incisions in front or behind the earlobe’s natural fold. Occasionally, the old ear piercing is so low on the earlobe that the prior piercing is obliterated altogether, the earlobe is reconstructed, and a new piercing is performed in a higher and more aesthetic location. Earlobe rejuvenation surgery can make the lobule look plumper, rounded, and smaller for a more youthful-looking appearance.
For those seeking a non-surgical solution, a “Liquid Earlobe Lift” offers a minimally invasive way to restore volume and smooth out creases. Injectable dermal fillers can add fullness to deflated or sagging earlobes, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and stretched piercing holes. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who wear earrings, as it may help support the earlobe and prevent further elongation.
Unlike facial filler injections, which break down more quickly due to constant movement, fillers in the external ear tend to last longer since the area remains relatively static. Additionally, a chemical peel can be applied to the earlobes to enhance skin texture, complementing treatments for the face, neck, and décolletage. These non-surgical options help maintain a youthful, refreshed appearance without cosmetic surgery.
Please note that pricing will vary, and all information provided represents an average of typical costs and time and does not guarantee pricing or availability. Your individual treatment plan will be personalized to meet your needs, and we recommend scheduling an in-person consultation to receive a more accurate breakdown of pricing and recovery expectations.
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Torn earlobe repair is a minor procedure with very little downtime. Exercise should be avoided for approximately two weeks. Showering can resume the day after surgery, and stitches are self-dissolving. After earlobe rejuvenation, restrictions are the same as for earlobe repair.
During recovery from any type of earlobe surgery, patients may experience temporary discomfort that is managed with oral pain medications. Mild headache, swelling, bruising, and numbness should subside in a few days. The earlobes can be distorted due to swelling—this will resolve within a few weeks. Any absorbable suture ends that have not dissolved on their own will be painlessly trimmed in the office at two weeks. Antibiotic ointment can be applied twice daily for approximately a week after surgery. Please see our postoperative instructions section and special instructions for facial surgery for additional information pertaining to recovery from earlobe correction surgery.
What are potential risks and complications of earlobe correction surgery?
When you are considering any type of Plastic Surgery, you should be fully educated about potential risks and complications. Please see our Preparing for Surgery section to learn about general risks and potential complications,
How do I know whether an earlobe correction is right for me?
As a woman Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Horton intimately understands how an individual’s looks and their feelings about their appearance can influence self-image and self-esteem. At your earlobe correction consultation, she will spend time with you to get to know you personally and take a complete medical history. Dr. Karen Horton will explore in detail your reasons for seeking earlobe correction, and if you are an appropriate candidate for surgery, your options will be described in detail.
Can I combine any other procedures with earlobe repair?
Earlobe repair can be combined with other cosmetic procedures for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Many patients choose to pair their earlobe surgery with a facelift or necklift to enhance overall facial harmony and address signs of aging in multiple areas. Additionally, Botox can smooth wrinkles around the face, while facial filler can restore lost volume in the temples, cheeks, and lips for a more youthful appearance. Dr. Karen Horton will customize a treatment plan to help you achieve natural-looking, balanced results.
Where can I find earlobe repair near me?
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and considering earlobe reduction, earlobe repair, or earlobe reconstruction, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Karen Horton. As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, she performs earlobe repair surgery at her San Francisco Plastic Surgery Quad A-certified surgery center.
Dr. Karen Horton has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Monday-Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Monday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Wednesday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Friday:
9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Dr. Karen M. Horton
2100 Webster St UNIT 520
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415.923.3067
We are located in the
Pacific Heights District
in the Pacific Professional Building.
SHOP SKIN CARE*Please note: Our office is no longer a Participating Provider for insurance. We can provide a financial quote for what anticipated surgical fees will be after your consultation.
