- Earlobe Reduction Surgery is a cosmetic procedure to reduce the size of enlarged earlobes for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Performed under local anaesthetic with minimal downtime
- Quality care at our CQC regulated clinics
What’s on this page
- About this Treatment
- Before & Afters
- What to Expect
- FAQs
- Our Clinics
- Things to Consider
- Patient Stories
- Why the Private Clinic
- Meet the Surgeons
- Related Blogs & News
Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed March 8th 2024
Related Cosmetic Surgery
Earlobe Reduction
Earlobe reduction is a simple day case procedure performed under local anaesthetic. It is ideal for anyone looking to reduce the size of their earlobes. Some people can feel extremely unhappy or uncomfortable with the appearance of their earlobes.
Also known as Lobuloplasty, Earlobe reduction forms part of a group of earlobe correction procedures where stretched earlobes are reduced, split earlobes are repaired, and large earlobes are reshaped.
What causes large earlobes?
Some earlobes can naturally be larger than others, our ears come in all different shapes and sizes and this is down to genetics.
In some instances, your earlobe may change shape due to ageing. Just like the skin on the rest of our face and body, as you age, skin changes and gravity takes over. The connective tissues within the skin and cartilage of the ear can weaken. This causes sagging skin which can make your earlobes look longer.
Other factors such as injury, trauma or certain medical conditions such as Pendred Syndrome can cause enlarged or thicker earlobes.
Benefits of Earlobe Reduction
Improved Confidence
Enlarged or sagging earlobes can look out of proportion to the rest of your facial anatomy. Many people feel self-conscious of the appearance of their earlobes which can then determine their choice of hairstyle, accessories, and willingness to be in photos. Patients get a great deal of satisfaction after surgery; they can feel comfortable and at ease about their appearance once more.
More youthful appearance
Earlobes can show signs of ageing and can even cause you to appear older. Earlobe reduction surgery can also help to restore a youthful look to your earlobes.
Wear your desired jewellery
Choosing to wear earrings or wearing certain types of earrings with large earlobes can cause many to feel self-conscious. This stems from both the instinct to hide the earlobes and that many earrings may be physically uncomfortable to wear because of how they sit. Wearing earrings post-surgery is likely to be a more positive experience as your earrings will sit more comfortably, you’ll have more of a selection to choose from and be proud to display them on your reshaped earlobes.
Earlobe Reduction at The Private Clinic
Although earlobe reduction is a very straightforward surgical technique, it takes artistic ability and meticulous attention to detail to get results that are in proportion and have a refined, beautiful shape.
Our expert surgeons specialise in earlobe reconstruction and will use their extensive training and unique skills to achieve smaller and more proportionate earlobes and improved facial symmetry.
Earlobe Reduction at a glance
Procedure Time
15 – 20 mins per ear
Anaesthetic Type
Local anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
Daycase
Support Garment
None
Washing
1 day
Sleeping
Elevate head 1-2 weeks
Driving
1 day
Reasonably Mobile
Immediately
Sexual Activity
1 week
Back to work
1 – 2 days
Exercise
1 – 3 days
Travel
1 week
Full Recovery Time
4 – 6 weeks
Final Results
6 weeks
Ask us a question
Earlobe Reduction 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 earlobe reduction results below.
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of people 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 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 reduction treatment journey will be a consultation with one of our expert surgeons.
At your consultation, your surgeon will go through the earlobe reduction procedure in detail and examine the area. They will recommend an ideal surgical execution plan which aims to give the best possible results.
Your surgeon will then discuss:
- Your medical history
- Your expectations from earlobe reduction surgery
- Risks and Complications of earlobe reduction surgery
- 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 reduction surgery.
Pre-Operative Appointment
In the interests of patient safety, all our patients are assessed against our patient selection criteria. Following your earlobe reduction consultation your medical history will be reviewed, and the pre-operative nurse will choose which pre-operative tests to carry out that are going to be most appropriate for you. Most pre-operative assessments include a blood test, MRSA swabs, urine test and a blood pressure test.
It is advised that you should not smoke for 1 month before your procedure.
If having your procedure under local anaesthetic, it is recommended that you have a light meal before your procedure.
Transport home is required as you will not be allowed to drive immediately following your procedure.
Earlobe Reduction Surgery
Earlobe Reduction surgery typically takes place under local anaesthetic.
Our expert medical team will ensure that you are laying comfortably on the treatment couch whilst the surgeon cleans and drapes the area ready to start the procedure.
Local anaesthetic will be injected into the earlobe to numb the area.
Whilst the local anaesthetic is taking effect, the surgeon will precisely measure the amount of tissue that needs to be removed from the earlobe.
There are many techniques that can be used for earlobe reduction surgery which include:
Crescent Incision
A crescent-shaped section of tissue is cut from the lower earlobe. The edges are then sutured together. This technique can change both the size and shape of the earlobe and is best for creating a more rounded and youthful appearance to the ear.
Wedge Incision
A wedge-shaped section of tissue is removed from the lower or middle part of the earlobe. The remaining edges are sutured together. This results in a smaller earlobe.
Z-Plasty / W-Plasty
A z-plasty or w-plasty technique involves making a wavy or zig zag shaped incision along the outer edge of the earlobe. This technique allows for better distribution of tension along the incisions which can help to reduce scarring and achieve a more natural-looking appearance to the ear.
V-Plasty / V-Y Plasty
A V-shaped section of tissue is removed from the earlobe. The remaining tissue is then brought together in a Y shape pattern. This technique is often used for patients who have a more elongated earlobe or for someone who has stretched their earlobes. It works to lift and shorten the earlobe and visible scarring is reduced.
An earlobe reduction procedure takes around 30 minutes to an hour to perform.
Following surgery, you will be given some time to relax with refreshments where our medical team will go through the aftercare required.
Earlobe Reduction Aftercare
The earlobe will have bandages around the ears which is usually recommended to leave on for 24-48 following surgery.
Minor discomfort, swelling and bruising may be experienced but these can be managed with the prescribed medication and following the aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon.
Most patients are able to return to work within 1-2 days depending on the type of work that they do.
You will be able to shower 24 hours after the procedure, but you should avoid direct pressure of water on the ears. You must avoid swimming or fully submerging your head in water for 2 weeks and only once the incisions are healed.
Exercise and strenuous activities should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.
You can wear earrings following earlobe reduction surgery, but it is advised that you wait for at least 2 months before wearing earrings again or to pierce the earlobe.
It is recommended that you protect your earlobes from direct sunlight for at least a month to avoid pigmentation to the scar.
Follow-Up Appointments
You will be seen in clinic at 1 week by our nursing team who will ensure that the area is healing and check if any stitches will need to be removed.
Your surgeon will see you at 6 weeks for your follow-up appointment. They will assess the results of your procedure and advise on the next steps if required.
Results
Your final results should be seen by 6 weeks, but it can take up to 6 months for the area to fully heal and the scar to fade.
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
Earlobe reduction surgery is best suited to patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their earlobes due to their size.
The patient should also be in good health, have realistic expectations, understand the risks involved and should not smoke or be willing to stop smoking.
Earlobe reduction surgery is commonly performed using local anaesthetic. The injection to administer this may sting, but this usually only lasts for a few seconds before the earlobe begins to numb.
During the procedure, you should not feel any pain, but a tugging sensation may be felt during the procedure. Our medical team will be present at all times to ensure you are comfortable throughout your procedure.
Mild discomfort following earlobe reduction surgery is to be expected, but this can be easily managed with the prescribed painkillers.
Yes, the results of earlobe reduction surgery are permanent. The procedure involves removing tissue from the earlobe to change the size of the area.
However, the surgery does not stop the natural ageing process which may cause earlobes to sag and droop over time.
There will be small scars on the earlobe where the incisions were made. Our surgeons will have made these in well concealed areas to minimise noticeable scarring.
Yes, earlobe reduction surgery is often combined with an otoplasty/ear pinning procedure.
Other surgical combinations may be possible too, it would be best to discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.
Yes, you can get your ears pierced following an earlobe reduction procedure. However, it is best to wait at least 2 months for the area to fully heal.
If an ear piercing hole is preserved during the procedure, it is also recommended that earrings are not worn for 2 months.
While downtime is minimal following earlobe reduction surgery, everyone heals differently. Those who are more prone to swelling may experience a lot of swelling for the first few weeks following the procedure.
This should settle revealing smaller lobes that look very natural.
Like all surgical procedures, earlobe reduction does carry some risks which include:
Bruising, swelling, bleeding, asymmetry, numbness, scarring, infection, indentation, notching, or change in earlobe shape.
Your surgeon will discuss in detail, all risks and complications involved with Earlobe Reduction surgery during your consultation.
Earlobe Reduction is Available in these Clinics
Things to Consider
Our advice on what to consider when deciding to have an earlobe reduction 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 a premium experience.
Why Choose The Private Clinic
- We have over 40 years’ experience in Medical Cosmetic procedures.
- 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.
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.
Earlobe Reduction consultations are available at our Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, London, and Northampton clinics.
