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Annapolis, Maryland

Ear Lobe Repair

Introduction to Earlobe Repair

Torn, stretched, or damaged earlobes can feel like a constant reminder of an accident, years of wearing heavy earrings, or even changes in aesthetic preferences (like gauges) that you may no longer want. Beyond affecting appearance, these changes can also make it uncomfortable or even impossible to wear jewelry the way you once did. Earlobe repair is a small yet highly effective reconstructive procedure that restores the natural shape and integrity of your earlobes, providing both functional improvement and a more natural appearance. At Ann Arundel Facial Plastic Surgery in Annapolis and Severna Park, Maryland, Dr. Brandon Wachal and Dr. Lee Kleiman offer this procedure to repair damaged earlobes and help you feel confident again.

Close up of two surgeons, Dr. Washal (left) and Dr. Lee (right), wearing light blue surgical scrubs, masks, caps, and gloves, perform a reconstructive procedure on a patient lying face-up on an operating table. Dr. Lee is also wearing a surgical headlamp. The operating room is dimly lit except for the intense, focused illumination from the large overhead surgical lights directly above the patient. - Earlobe Repair in Severna Park, MD

What is Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair is a straightforward outpatient surgical procedure that corrects damage or deformities in one or both earlobes. Damage can occur from trauma, earrings pulling through the lobe, long-term use of heavy jewelry, or intentional stretching from gauges. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully reshapes and sutures the torn or stretched tissue, restoring the lobe to a natural contour. Depending on your situation, the repair can range from closing a small tear to reconstructing a more severely stretched or thinned lobe. While it’s often considered a cosmetic procedure, earlobe repair is fundamentally reconstructive because it restores normal function, allowing patients to comfortably wear earrings again and feel at ease with their appearance.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Earlobe Repair?

The best candidates for earlobe repair in Maryland are individuals with stretched, torn, or damaged earlobes who want to restore their natural shape and function. You should be in good overall health, with no active infections or uncontrolled medical conditions that could interfere with healing. Non-smokers experience better outcomes since smoking can slow recovery.

Candidates often include people who wore gauges but now want their earlobes restored, those with earlobes torn from earrings being pulled, or anyone with congenital irregularities in earlobe shape. If you’re interested in wearing earrings again or simply want your earlobes to look more natural, you may be a great candidate.

What Are the Benefits of Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair offers both practical and cosmetic advantages. Functionally, it restores the strength and integrity of your earlobe, so you no longer have to worry about jewelry falling out or discomfort from stretching. Aesthetically, it helps blend the lobe into the natural proportions of your ear, leaving a smoother, more balanced contour. Many patients also find that the procedure improves their self-confidence, especially if they’ve avoided wearing their hair up or felt self-conscious about visible tears or scars. Another benefit is that, once healed, most patients can safely re-pierce their ears if desired, giving them the freedom to enjoy earrings again without worry.

What’s the First Step?

Your Ear Lobe Repair Journey with Dr. Wachal

The first step is easy: simply schedule a consultation with Dr. Wachal or Dr. Kleiman at Ann Arundel Facial Plastic Surgery in Maryland. They will review your medical history, examine the condition of your earlobes, and discuss your goals for repair. This consultation is also the time to ask questions about the procedure, healing process, and whether you’d like to re-pierce your ears in the future. From there, your surgeon will create a surgical plan, and you’ll be given instructions to prepare for your procedure day.

A male doctor, Dr. Washal, wearing a gray suit jacket and white shirt, is seated at a wooden desk while consulting with a female patient. He is holding a tablet displaying before and after images of another patient's facial procedure, pointing to the images with a stylus.

What to Expect on the Day of Earlobe Repair Surgery

Earlobe repair is performed in either of the Maryland offices using local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake but comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the area is numbed, the surgeon will carefully remove scar tissue or stretched skin, reshape the lobe, and close the incision with fine sutures to minimize scarring. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, depending on whether one or both earlobes are being repaired. You’ll be able to go home shortly after the repair is completed, with simple aftercare instructions to follow.

Dr. Lee in a black suit and white shirt consulting with a female patient. The patient is touching her cheek while the doctor looks toward the camera with a slight smile. A mirror and abstract artwork are visible in the background.

Earlobe Repair Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Ear Lobe Repair Care

Recovery from earlobe repair is usually quick and straightforward. Patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness for a few days, but this is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Stitches are often removed within a week, and most people can return to work or school the next day. You’ll want to avoid strenuous activity for several days and protect your ears from trauma during the healing period. Most patients notice immediate improvement in the appearance of their earlobes, with scars fading over time until they’re barely noticeable. Re-piercing is usually possible a few months after the procedure, once your surgeon confirms the earlobe has fully healed.

How Much Does Earlobe Repair Cost in Maryland?

The cost of Earlobe Repair in Annapolis, Severna Park, and the rest of Maryland varies depending on the complexity of the repair and whether one or both earlobes are being treated. During your consultation, our team will provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your needs. While insurance typically does not cover procedures considered cosmetic, some reconstructive cases may qualify for coverage. Our office can also discuss payment and financing options to make your care more accessible.

Why Choose Us?

A full-length image of two male doctors standing side-by-side in a stylish office or waiting area. Dr. Lee, on the right, is wearing a black suit and white shirt with his arms crossed. The other doctor, Dr. Washal, is on the left, wearing a light gray suit and white shirt with his hands clasped in front of him.

At Ann Arundel Facial Plastic Surgery, you’ll be treated by highly experienced surgeons who are board-certified in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, with Dr. Kleiman also holding certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This dual training ensures a balance of reconstructive precision and natural-looking results. Our compassionate team understands that even minor changes, such as earlobe damage, can affect your daily life and confidence, and we are committed to providing personalized care in a comfortable setting.

Ear Lobe Repair FAQ’S

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Dr. Wachal is a blessing to patients seeking facial rejuvenation and natural beauty enhancements.

His state-of-the-art, in-house surgical suite is fully equipped—even for emergencies—helping reduce patient costs without compromising safety or results. The office is immaculately hygienic and designed for comfort and care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re in Maryland, ready to restore the natural shape and function of your earlobes, the team at Ann Arundel Facial Plastic Surgery is here to help. Contact our offices in Annapolis or Severna Park to schedule your consultation today.

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