Earlobe Repair and Reduction

Treatment

What is Earlobe Repair and Reduction Surgery?

At the Minor Surgery Clinic, earlobe repair and reduction are popular cosmetic procedures designed to reshape, resize, and restore the appearance of the earlobes. Our experienced surgeons use advanced techniques to correct a range of concerns, including split or torn earlobes, stretched lobes from heavy earrings or tribal jewellery, and elongation caused by ageing or trauma. Whether the issue is cosmetic or injury-related, earlobe surgery can significantly improve the symmetry and overall appearance of the ears, enhancing facial balance and boosting confidence. Procedures are typically performed under local anaesthetic and take about an hour, allowing patients to go home the same day.

Depending on your specific needs, the surgery may involve repairing splits, reducing elongated lobes, reconstructing earlobes altered by gauging, removing keloid scars, or reshaping damaged tissue. A small section of skin may be removed, and the area is then closed with either dissolvable or removable stitches. Scars are minimal and usually fade discreetly within the natural contours of the ear. Common reasons for seeking earlobe surgery include age-related sagging, damage from heavy earrings, cosmetic dissatisfaction, reversing body modifications, and scar correction. These issues can limit earring use and affect self-esteem—surgery provides both aesthetic improvement and restored function.
Suitable candidates are generally over 18, in good health, and have realistic expectations.

The procedure is generally well tolerated, with only mild pressure felt during surgery and minimal downtime afterward. Scars are discreetly placed within the natural folds of the ear, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few days. Re-piercing is usually recommended after six weeks, depending on individual healing progress.

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What is the process?

At the Minor Surgery Clinic, we offer expert solutions for split, torn, or stretched earlobes—common concerns often caused by heavy earrings, trauma, or body modifications like gauging. These issues can be effectively treated with minor surgical procedures performed under local anaesthetic, ensuring your comfort throughout. Earlobe repair and reduction can be done on one or both ears during the same session. The procedure typically takes around 30 minutes per ear. After numbing the area, the surgeon carefully marks the treatment site, removes excess or damaged tissue, and closes the incision with sutures. For earlobe reduction, the goal is to reshape and resize the lobe for a more balanced and natural appearance. In some cases, the lobe may also be repositioned to maintain facial symmetry. For split or torn lobes, our surgeons often use a zig-zag (W-plasty) stitching technique to minimise the risk of notching and promote smooth healing.

Stretched earlobes from tribal piercings or gauges may require more advanced techniques, including skin removal and tissue flap reconstruction to restore a natural contour.

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What are the risks?

Regardless of how minor a surgical procedure is, there is a potential for complications. It is important that you understand these before proceeding with surgery.

Scarring
Infection
Bleeding or Hematoma
Asymmetry
Poor Wound Healing
Recurrence of the Split or Stretching
Numbness or Sensitivity
Keloid or Hypertrophic Scarring
Allergic Reactions
Deformity

What is the aftercare process?

Discharge and Activity: Earlobe repair surgery usually involves minimal downtime, allowing most patients to return to work and drive the same day.

Wound Care: Keep the area dry and avoid washing the earlobes for the first three days to let incisions heal undisturbed.

Rest and Restrictions: Rest is important—light activities are okay, but avoid exercise for at least three days and sexual activity for one week.

Sleeping Position and Irritation Prevention: Sleep on your back for at least one week to prevent pressure on the ears. Avoid irritation by not pressing phones or wearing headphones near the area.

Sun Protection: Protect the treated area from direct sunlight to prevent scars from darkening and to support healing.

Follow-Up Care: In the first week, attend a post-op appointment with the nursing team to check incision sites and healing progress.

Recovery Timeline: Between weeks 2 and 4, swelling and sensitivity should significantly reduce; at week 6, a final follow-up with your surgeon will assess results and discuss any further steps like re-piercing.

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How much does Earlobe Repair and Reduction Cost?

The package price for earlobe repair and reduction starts from £475 which includes the surgery and follow-up after surgery.

Earlobe Repair Reduction (Per ear)

From £475

Earlobe Reconstruction (Per ear)

From £595

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about earlobe repair and reduction surgery

What is earlobe repair or reduction surgery?

Earlobe repair and reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape, resize, or repair earlobes that have been stretched, torn, split, or enlarged due to ageing, injury, or heavy jewellery.

Who is a good candidate for earlobe surgery?

You may be suitable if you are physically and psychologically healthy, unhappy with the shape or size of your earlobes, or if your earlobes have been damaged by injury or jewellery. The procedure is suitable for both men and women.

Is the procedure painful?

The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the area is completely numbed. You will remain awake but won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Will I have visible scars after surgery?

Scarring is minimal. Surgeons use fine sutures and discreet incision techniques to reduce the visibility of scars. Most patients find that scars fade significantly over time.

Can I re-pierce my ears after surgery?

Yes, but it’s important to wait until your surgeon confirms that the earlobe has healed fully. This is usually around 6–8 weeks after the procedure.

What results can I expect from earlobe repair or reduction?

You can expect a more symmetrical, youthful, and natural appearance to your earlobes. The procedure can also restore the ability to wear earrings comfortably again if damage was previously limiting this.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

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UK-Trained Experts

Our Lead Surgeon

Dr. Braham Ouali, MD, SCSD, is a UK-trained, award-winning surgeon with more than twenty years of experience. Since qualifying as a medical doctor in 1999, he completed a decade of NHS plastic surgery training in the United Kingdom and earned a Professional Diploma in Skin Cancer Surgery from Bond University in Melbourne, Australia. As a member of both the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Ouali has developed the expertise necessary to perform advanced procedures with precision and care.

Having personally conducted tens of thousands of surgeries, Dr. Ouali tailors each procedure to meet his patients’ individual needs and to achieve their complete satisfaction. He is particularly renowned for his work in skin surgery and body contouring, including eyelid surgery, rhinophyma treatment, earlobe reconstruction, and liposuction of the abdomen, arms, legs, and gynecomastia. His skill set also encompasses areola reduction, breast mini lift, and the removal of skin lesions—such as moles, cysts, lipomas, keloids, and skin cancers—with a special focus on facial reconstruction.

Known for his compassionate approach and meticulous technique, Dr. Ouali consistently receives “very good” feedback from both patients and colleagues. He is honoured to welcome patients to Minor Surgery Clinic, providing each individual with the highest standard of care in a warm and professional environment.

Earlobe Repair and Reduction

Operation Time:

Return to work:

Anaesthesia

Discomfort

What is Earlobe Repair and Reduction Surgery?

What is the process?

What are the risks?

What is the aftercare process?

How much does Earlobe Repair and Reduction Cost?

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions?

"Many thanks for the good job you have done. I also appreciated the relaxed manner which put me at ease."

"I had three moles removed from my back by Dr Ouali , it was a good painless experience and I’m happy with the result as the scars faded away nicely."

"I had a small amount of Vaser liposuction under my chin. Quick, painless surgery. I’m very happy and will be going back for additional procedures."

Our Lead Surgeon

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