What Is The Cost Of Earlobe Repair?

Q:  Hello, I went to see a plastic surgeon about repairing my one stretched ear ring hole. I pretty much made it clear why I was in the office. The office workers did not pay attention to my needs and instead pointed out all my other flaws and pushed selling other procedures on me. I wish I could afford to correct all flaws, however at this time, I just want my little ear repaired. After they had me under the bright light and made me feel awful about myself, they finally told me the cost of the ear repair… $800. Just because the way they treated me, I would rather stitch it myself then give that office the money. Can you please tell me how much the procedure would be? Thank you.

A:  Earlobe deformities from the use of ear rings creates two basic correctable problems, an enlarged or elongated hole and a complete split or tear. Both can be easily and quickly treated in the office under local anesthesia in less than 30 minutes. There is no pain afterwards or significant swelling or bruising. Tiny dissolveable sutures are used so there is no suture removal afterwards either. One can shower and get it wet the very next day. Once it is healed, re-piercing can be done six weeks later.

From an office standpoint, every plastic surgery practice has differences in philosophy. Some promote and sell harder than others which often, understandably, turns some patients off. That doesn’t make them a bad practice, just one who may not be a good fit for you. From a pricing perspective, fees will vary around the country for any elective cosmetic surgery procedure based on geographic location and the size of the practice. There are no standard fees for cosmetic surgery nationally. It is a simple matter of what value the practice puts on their time and expense to do the procedure and what a patient is willing to pay. Here in Indianapolis, the prices for earlobe repairs is more typically in the range of $300 to $450 per earlobe.

 Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis Indiana