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  • Earlobe Repair can be performed under local anaesthetic with little to no downtime
  • Specialist UK Consultant Plastic Surgeons
  • Quality care throughout your surgical journey at our CQC rated clinics
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Home » Cosmetic Surgery » Face & Eyes Surgery » Earlobe Repair
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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 December 13th 2023

Earlobe Repair Surgery

Earlobe repair or split earlobe surgery is a quick and simple minor surgical procedure to correct split, ripped or torn earlobes and/or stretched earlobes. It is carried out under local anaesthetic and is a short procedure.

The earlobe is the lower, fleshy part of the ear that is sometimes pierced. The area consists of a delicate piece of skin that is made up of fat and skin. This area can be split or ripped due to heavy or over-stretched earrings.

Split earlobes are usually caused by trauma, which may occur if earrings are pulled through the piercing hole. Additionally, wearing earrings — especially heavy earrings — can lengthen the piercing hole and eventually pull through over time. People with thin earlobes are predisposed to this occurring.

If you’re interested in having your split earlobe, widened piercing hole or stretched ear piercings reversed or repaired, arrange a consultation at The Private Clinic with our expert Consultant Cosmetic Surgeons who have extensive experience in ear correction surgery. It is a quick simple procedure with excellent results and no downtime.

Earlobe Repair at a glance

Procedure Time
15 mins per ear

Anaesthetic Type
Local anaesthetic

Hospital Stay
Day case

Support Garments
None, bandaging post-procedure

Washing
48 hours

Driving
1 day

Up & Mobile
Immediately

Sexual Activity
4 weeks

Back to work
1 – 2 days

Exercise
2-3 weeks

Travel
1 week

Recovery Time
4 – 6 weeks

Sleeping
Elevate your head for 1-2 weeks

Final Results
6 weeks

Where can I fix my split earlobe?

Split Earlobe repair surgery consultations are available at our Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, London Harley Street and Northampton clinics.

Other types of earlobe repair: Tribal earlobe repair
Our consultant plastic surgeons are also able to offer tribal earlobe repair to correct stretched earlobes and earlobe reduction to re-shape or re-size the fleshy lobe part of the ear.

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Split 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 split earlobe repair results below.



What to Expect

The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of women 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 breast surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.

The Consultation

The first stage of your earlobe repair journey will be a consultation with one of our expert surgeons.
At your consultation, your surgeon will go through the earlobe repair procedure in detail and examine the area.

Your surgeon will then discuss:

  • Your medical history
  • Your expectations from surgery
  • Risks and Complications
  • Aftercare

Following your consultation, you will be introduced to your dedicated patient coordinator who will be your point of contact should you wish to proceed with earlobe repair surgery.

Consultation Image 1

Pre-Operative Advice

In the interests of patient safety all our patients are assessed against our patient selection criteria. Following your consultation and review of your past medical history, the physician or preoperative nurse will choose any pre-operative tests considered to be appropriate, most of which are routine blood tests.

Consultation Image 1

The Earlobe Repair procedure

The technique used for your Earlobe repair will depend on the state of your lobes and your desired results. It’s a fairly straightforward procedure that can be done in any of our in-house theatres under local anaesthetic. The procedure takes 20-40 minutes to perform.

  • The split area of the earlobe is marked out to be removed as a wedge.
  • Local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area and the earlobe will usually stay numb for around 3 to 4 hours following the procedure.
  • The split section of the lobe is carefully cut out.
  • The wound is then cauterised to stop any bleeding.
  • The two sides of the earlobe are then brought together and secured with absorbable stitches.
  • A dressing is applied to the wound and will stay for around a week.

A rotational flap earlobe repair is a technique which preserves the existing ear-piercing hole. This allows patients to be able to safely wear earrings again just two weeks after their procedure instead of having to wait 6 months.

Earlobe Reduction

If your lobes are sagging, then an earlobe reduction will be the best way to reshape them and make them more proportionate, whereas if they’ve been torn then they can be stitched up and amended as well.

Tribal Earlobe Reconstruction

For patients with stretched lobes, there are a couple of options. A hole with a small diameter could require only a few stitches. If you’ve stretched your lobes beyond 1.5cm in diameter, they won’t be able to spring back to their original shape and may require the excess flesh to be trimmed before they can be reshaped. Find out more about Stretched or Tribal Earlobe repair here.

Consultation Image 1

After your Earlobe Repair Procedure

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, and there’s very little downtime involved.

Following your procedure, we recommend that you have a friend or family member drive you home. This is because the side effects of local anaesthetic can vary from person to person and your ability to drive may be affected.

Most patients are okay to return to work the day after their procedure. Post-procedure pain may be uncomfortable for up to 2 days post-procedure, we advise over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol to manage this.

The area should be kept dry for 48 hours following surgery.

Exercise should be avoided for 2-3 weeks as they can increase your risk of wound separation and infection. Light gently exercises can be returned to in the days following your procedure as you feel comfortable to do so.

Your surgeon will advise you on scar management and how best to care for you incision.

Earlobes should not be pierced for at least 3 months following earlobe repair surgery unless using the rotational flap technique. When wearing earrings following earlobe repair, it is recommended that heavy earrings are only worn 6 months following your procedure and only for short periods as the scar will still be weak and could be prone to tearing again.

Consultation Image 1

The Private Clinic have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*

*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

FAQs

What is earlobe repair?

Earlobe repair is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the appearance of split or stretched earlobes medically known as a lobuloplasty.

What is a split earlobe?

A split earlobe is when there is a separation of the skin on the lobe which causes a split-like appearance which can be undesirable.

This split can make wearing earrings difficult or uncomfortable as they are likely to pull on the split or not sit aesthetically within the earlobe.

What is a stretched or tribal earlobe?

A stretched earlobe is when the lobe has been purposely stretched using various ear taper tools and plugs to create an enlarged appearance. Stretched or tribal earlobe repair is a slightly different surgical procedure that often requires earlobe reconstruction.

You can find out more information about stretched earlobe repair here.

Why do earlobes split?

Split earlobes are caused when the skin of the ear becomes weak and prone to stretching where the ear piercing hole is located.

Split earlobes are most commonly caused when earrings catch on clothing and they pull and tear the skin. They can also be caused by wearing heavy earrings for long periods of time.

Will a split earlobe heal naturally without surgery?

The split in your ear may naturally constrict back to a smaller size if you don’t wear earrings, or don’t wear heavy earrings but the area will be weak and usually prone to splitting again once you start wearing earrings again.

How long does earlobe repair surgery take?

Earlobe repair usually takes around 15-20 minutes per ear.

Is earlobe repair carried out under general or local anaesthetic?

Earlobe repair surgery is usually carried out under local anaesthetic.

Does earlobe repair hurt?

You should feel no pain during the procedure as both a topical numbing cream and local anaesthetic are applied to the area. As the local anaesthetic gradually wears off post-procedure you may feel a little discomfort which can easily be managed with pain relief such as paracetamol.

What is a rotational flap earlobe repair?

Split earlobe repair with rotation flap is a technique which allows patients to be able to safely wear earrings again two weeks after their procedure instead of having to wait 6 months. This is because the existing ear-piercing hole is preserved during the procedure.

How will I need to sleep after my earlobe surgery?

We usually recommend that you sleep with an extra pillow following earlobe surgery as this will elevate your head and reduce any bruising or swelling for 1-2 weeks.

Can I pierce my ears after earlobe surgery?

You will be able to pierce your ears again after surgery. We usually recommend that you wait 3-6 months before doing this to ensure the earlobe has fully healed.

We would also recommend that you only wear small stud earrings to begin with as your earlobe will be weaker and heavy earrings are only worn for short periods.

If you have rotational flap earlobe surgery then you are often able to wear earrings 2 weeks following your procedure. This can be advised by your surgeon after your procedure.

How long will I need to take off work after earlobe surgery?

You will not require any time off work after earlobe surgery and most patients return to work the following day.

If you work a particularly strenuous job or within a dusty environment then it may be best to take a couple of days for the earlobe to heal. Your stitches may still be visible for up to a week post-procedure so you may require additional time off work if you are in a cosmetically sensitive job.

When can I exercise after earlobe repair surgery?

We recommend that strenuous exercise is avoided for at least 3 weeks to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling post-procedure.

Gentle light exercise can be resumed after a week.

Will I be able to drive home after earlobe repair surgery?

Whilst you are likely to be fine to drive yourself home following a split earlobe repair procedure. We do advise that you arrange for a friend or family member to drive you.

Local anaesthetic can affect every patient differently and because of this, we advise it is best to avoid driving for 24 hours post-procedure.

When will I be able to wash my hair after earlobe repair surgery?

You will be able to shower and wash your hair 48 hours after your procedure. Take care not to get the earlobe excessively wet and that you pat dry the area afterwards.

How long is the healing time after earlobe repair surgery?

It can take 6-8 weeks to fully heal following split earlobe repair.

Each patient will heal at different rates and factors such as age, skin type, and the extent of the earlobe damage will all contribute to the variability in full healing times.

Will my stitches need removing after split earlobe repair?

The stitches used for earlobe repair are usually absorbable stitches which mean they will naturally dissolve within 2 weeks. If it has been two weeks and they are still visible, then they can be removed at a post-op appointment.

If your stitches were not absorbable, an appointment will be made for your stitch’s removal. This us usually after 7-10 days.

Will I have a scar following split earlobe repair?

You will have a very thin linear scar on your earlobe post-procedure. This should gradually fade over time becoming almost unnoticeable.

Is earlobe surgery safe?

As with any surgical procedure, there are always risks but earlobe repair is a very safe procedure. Common complications include poor scaring and infection.

What does a free split earlobe repair consultation mean?

We offer a free split earlobe repair phone and video consultations with an experienced patient adviser.

They will provide information on the best earlobe repair surgeons to suit your requirements.

In order to secure the timed appointment we will ask for a £25 refundable deposit. This is refunded once the consultation takes place. You can change your appointment time up to 48 hours before.

Contact us to book your free phone or video consultation.

Is there a limit to the size of the earlobe split that can be repaired?

All sizes of earlobe splits can be repaired.

Our surgeons have a variety of techniques to suit all types of earlobe splits. The most effective method for you can be decided following a consultation where your ear can be assessed and your desired outcome from surgery discussed.

What happens during an earlobe repair procedure?

Topical numbing cream will be applied to your earlobes before local anaesthesia is injected into the lobe.

Once numb, your ear will then be wiped down and sterile drapes will be placed around the ear.

The technique of correcting a stretched earlobe will vary slightly depending on the shape and size but generally, a section of tissue will be removed and the open ends are then stitched back together with absorbable stitches and a bandage will be applied.

How long will the results from earlobe surgery last?

Earlobe repair surgery is permanent so unless you decide to stretch your earlobes or you wear certain earrings that may stretch the ear again – your earlobe surgery results should be unaffected.

How much does Earlobe Repair Surgery cost?

Split Earlobe Repair Cost UK

The cost of a Split Earlobe Correction Surgery starts from £570 (unilateral) to approximately £1,060 (bilateral).

Split earlobe correction with rotational flap surgery starts from £1000 (unilateral) to £1,400 (bilateral).

We also offer Tribal Earlobe / Stretched earlobe correction. Click here to find out more.

We don’t follow a one-price-fits-all policy and prices are quoted on a case by case basis. You will be given an accurate quote for your requirements following your consultation.

Consultations with our plastic surgeons are £100 at our clinics in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

We also offer consultations with our highly experienced Patient Coordinators which require a £25 refundable deposit to secure your place. These are available in BirminghamLeedsManchester and Northampton.

Patient coordinators are able to offer you all the information you require prior to meeting a surgeon.

Please note all consultations available at our Harley Street clinic are with a surgeon.

Is there an earlobe repair surgery clinic near me?

The Private Clinic has clinics across the UK so we are sure to have an expert split earlobe repair surgeon located near you.

Our clinics are in;

Where can I get split earlobe repair in London?

London – 98 Harley Street, W1G7HZ

Where can I get split earlobe repair in Manchester?

Manchester – 25 St John Street, M3 4DT

Where can I get split earlobe repair in Birmingham?

Birmingham – 88 Hagley Road, B16 8LU – West Midlands

Where can I get split earlobe repair in Leeds?

Leeds – 45 Park Square North, LS1 2NP – Yorkshire

Where can I get split earlobe repair in Northampton?

Northampton – 82 Billing Road, NN1 5DF – East Midlands

To find out more about booking a consultation at a clinic near you, contact us here.

Things to Consider

Our advice on what to consider when deciding to have an 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

Book a consultation today to hear about the best options available for you.

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
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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.