Earlobe repair is a simple, cosmetic procedure that can be performed to repair torn or drooping ear lobes. Because earlobes are made up entirely of cartilage, damage to the earlobe is easy. This can happen from prolonged wear of long or heavy earrings causing stretching and even tearing of the lobe. Multiple piercings, made too close together or too close to the bottom of the lobe, may cause damage to the earlobe structure.

Whether a patient suffers from an elongated earlobe due to the aging process or from heavy earring usage, Peter Abramson, M.D. can repair the earlobe and provide a naturally rounded result.

Candidates for Earlobe Repair

Dr. Peter Abramson | Earlobe RepairEarlobes are the normal skin appendage at the lower end of the cartilaginous ear. The ears are frequently pierced for earrings and accessories. Wearing earrings places the earlobes at risk for getting damaged. Earlobe repair surgery is performed in a matter of minutes with little to no downtime.

  • Earlobe Tear: Simple tears in the earlobe can result from wearing heavy earrings or earrings being pulled out. The injury results in earlobe clefting, or a bifid earlobe. This type tear will not heal and close by itself. Surgical repair of the earlobe will be necessary to repair an earlobe tear.
  • Earlobe Gauges: Earlobe gauges, or earlobe plugs, became a popular practice in recent years. As trends come and go, patients are likely to desire removal of the gauges. After the gauge is removed, the hole will shrink a little bit over several months; However, the earlobe will not completely revert to its pre-stretched state, and will be permanently deformed without repair. In some cases the earlobe deformity can be quite severe causing complex ear reconstruction surgery.
  • Earlobe Deformity: Sometimes patients are born with deformed earlobes that do not conform to the shape of the face. Dr. Abramson can reshape and contour earlobes to have a softer appearance and more closely match a patient’s facial symmetry.

About the Procedure

Earlobe repair, for both torn earlobes and gauged earlobes, can be performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. The cost of the surgery will be dependent on the extent of the deformity. The healing time only takes a few weeks; however, patients will not be able to re-pierce the ears for about 3 months.


Abramson Facial Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center uses innovative, state-of-the-art techniques and instruments to perform aesthetic procedures for patients throughout the Metro Atlanta, GA area. Call 404/297-1789 today to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Abramson to determine if earlobe repair is right for you.