Earlobe reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure to reduce the size of earlobes and reshape earlobes to create a more aesthetically-pleasing look.
What is Earlobe Reduction?
Earlobe reduction surgery is a simple outpatient procedure to correct the appearance of drooping, sagging or overly large earlobes. Ear reshaping surgery can correct large earlobes from genetics, ageing, or trauma.
- Surgery Time: 1 hour
- Anaesthetic: Local
- Hospital Stay: Day
- Time Off Work: 1-2 days
- Exercise: After 2 weeks
- Mobile: Immediately
- Washing: After 1 day
- Sleeping Position: on your back for 2-4 weeks
- Full Recovery: 4 weeks
What Happens During Earlobe Reduction Surgery?
Earlobe reduction surgery takes about 30 minutes to perform per ear. Your plastic surgeon uses a local anaesthetic to numb the area using small injections. The intended shape will be drawn onto the ear, and the excess skin will be removed. Finally, the incision is closed using stitches. The earlobe is then reattached to the cheek if necessary to balance out the face.
While you may feel a little pressure during the procedure, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort. Typically, any dissolvable stitches will dissolve over a few weeks. Non-dissolvable stitches will be removed at your post-op appointment. Your surgeon will be careful to create naturally-concealed scars within the creases of the ear. The final shape and size of the ear will be in proportion with the rest of the face.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery: Benefits of Earlobe Reduction Surgery
A huge advantage of earlobe reduction surgery is that it can reduce the size of large earlobes and transform the look of your earlobes. Reducing the size of your earlobes can also make your ears look more in proportion with your face and symmetrical. The procedure may also help you look younger as large earlobes are associated with being older.
Earlobe Repair: What Causes Large Earlobes?
Earlobes come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s normal for earlobes to lengthen over time and after wearing heavy earrings.
You may notice that your ears look bigger as you get older. But your ears aren’t growing; it’s that your skin changes and gravity take its toll. Genetics, weight changes, and injuries all affect your skin. Over time, your connective tissues in the skin and cartilage can weaken. All this can lead to changes in your earlobes. Sagging skin and weaker cartilage can make your earlobes look longer.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about the natural ageing process. But if you’re unhappy with the look of your earlobes, an expert plastic surgeon can help you to understand your options during your cosmetic surgery consultation.
Earlobe Reduction Recovery
Earlobe reduction is a straightforward procedure with a relatively short recovery time. Any initial discomfort should be eased with over the counter painkillers. Non-dissolvable sutures will be removed after 5-7 days. Any swelling or bruising should subside by day 10. Although you can return to normal activities after 1-2 days, some patients prefer to take more time off work. You should be able to resume exercise after about 2-4 weeks.
Most patients resume social events and work quickly after the procedure. It’s a minor surgery that shouldn’t affect your day-to-day life too much during recovery. In the early part of recovery, you should avoid anything overly strenuous and can resume light activity on the day of the surgery (cooking food and walking around the house).
When Can You Wear Earrings After Earlobe Reduction Surgery?
You will need to wait a little longer after your procedure before you can wear earrings. You should wait at least 2 months before wearing very light earrings again. To maintain the look of your new earlobes, avoid wearing very heavy earrings as they can stretch the skin.
Ear Plastic Surgery: Who is the Ideal Candidate for Earlobe Reduction?
The ideal candidate for earlobe reduction is in good health and a non-smoker. People who smoke cigarettes are at a higher risk of postoperative complications, including infections and delayed wound healing.
A good candidate may also experience one or some of the following:
- Your earlobes have elongated
- The lower earlobe is longer from wearing heavy earrings
- You can no longer wear small studs
- Have naturally large earlobes
- Have thick earlobes
Is Earlobe Reduction Surgery Permanent?
The results of earlobe reduction surgery are permanent. But keep in mind that wearing heavy earrings could cause the earlobe to stretch. So, the best way to maintain your results is by avoiding heavy earrings.
Earlobe Reshaping Surgery: What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Earlobe Reduction?
Like any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects of earlobe reduction. Most patients do not experience adverse side effects, but it’s important to be fully aware of any potential complications. Risks and side effects of earlobe reduction include:
- Infection
- Excessive scarring
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Anaesthetic reaction
- Swelling
- Discomfort
Is Earlobe Reduction Painful?
Any discomfort from earlobe reduction should be minimal. You will likely feel a slight stinging sensation as the anaesthetic is injected into the ear. This shouldn’t last more than 30 seconds. After this, the area is numb, and you will only feel some pressure and tugging on the ear, but no pain.
Earlobe Surgery Types at the Harley Clinic London
The Harley Clinic offers several types of ear surgery, depending on your concerns.
- Earlobe reduction surgery – this procedure focuses on reducing the size of the earlobe and reshaping the earlobe to create balance in the face.
- Split earlobe correction surgery – an earlobe can split from an injury or heavy earring use. Earlobe repair surgery can correct trauma to create a symmetrical look. There’s an option to reconstruct ear lobes after wearing earlobe spacers if the ear doesn’t contract back after removing the spacer.
- Prominent ear correction surgery – this procedure is also known as ear pinning surgery. It can pin prominent ears closer to the head if you have protruding ears.
Before and After Earlobe Reduction Surgery
Earlobe Reduction Surgery UK
If you’re considering earlobe reduction surgery, contact the team at the Harley Clinic to book a consultation today at our Harley Street cosmetic surgery clinic.
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