Skip To Main Content
Black woman with great skin

Earlobe Reduction

Earlobe reduction is a simple surgical procedure that can reduce the size of the earlobes and create more aesthetically pleasing ear contours. This type of cosmetic surgery can improve the appearance of droopy earlobes that have elongated by wearing heavy earrings and rejuvenate earlobes affected by the aging process. Dr. Cangello offers additional reconstructive and cosmetic procedures for the ears, such as earlobe repair surgery for torn earlobes and ear rejuvenation treatments using dermal fillers. He also reconstructs earlobes that have been severely stretched by gauged piercings or heavy earrings.

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS Plastic Surgery New York

Dr. David Cangello is one of the top board-certified plastic surgeons in all of New York City. His approach of treating plastic surgery with an artistic eye has successfully shaped his practice. Dr. Cangello cares about the result of the surgery as much as the patient does. Read more to learn why you should choose Dr. Cangello for your next procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

Benefits of Earlobe Reduction

Earlobe reduction surgery has many benefits including:

  • Reduces the size of excessively large earlobes
  • Enhances earlobe symmetry
  • Improves the proportion of the lobes to the overall ear
  • Achieves more youthful-looking ears

Good Candidates for Earlobe Reduction

Earlobe reduction is a great surgical option for most healthy women and men who desire smaller and more youthful-looking ears. Those considering earlobe reduction typically want to: 

  • Reduce elongated earlobes
  • Rejuvenate aged earlobes
  • Reduce naturally large earlobes

For patients with excess ear projection in addition to prominent or enlarged earlobes, otherwise known as abnormally prominent ears, otoplasty (ear pinning surgery) is an option. During your initial consultation with Dr. Cangello, you’ll discuss your concerns and receive a treatment plan customized to meet your aesthetic goals.

The Earlobe Reduction Procedure

Earlobe reduction is an outpatient procedure where Dr. Cangello removes excess skin from the bottom of the earlobe and closes the incision with sutures. This results in a smaller lobe, an ear that is more balanced, and more harmonious with the overall appearance of the face. Earlobe reduction is a straightforward surgery that takes approximately 30 minutes with local anesthesia.

Earlobe Reduction Recovery & Results

Earlobe reduction is a minor surgery, so recovery is quite minimal and no downtime is required. Patients may experience mild bruising and swelling for a few days, however, these symptoms are temporary and generally resolve within one week. Dr. Cangello may provide antibiotic ointment for topical use during the first few weeks of recovery, and pain medication such as Tylenol should suffice for any discomfort.

Patients can plan to resume normal activities immediately following surgery, but Dr. Cangello recommends that swimming be avoided for 3-4 weeks.

Patients should try to avoid putting pressure on their ears while resting or sleeping for four weeks following earlobe reduction. Sutures will stay in place for one week and patients should avoid getting their ears wet during this time. Dr. Cangello will see patients after one week for follow-up and suture removal.

FAQs About Earlobe Reduction

Is earlobe reduction surgery painful?

The pain associated with earlobe reduction is minimal. Dr. Cangello uses an injectable local anesthetic which may sting for just a second or two. Once the earlobe is numb, patients do not experience any discomfort during the procedure and only a slight feeling of pressure or a tugging sensation.

Does earlobe reduction leave unsightly scars?

Any surgical incision will leave a scar, however, scars associated with earlobe reduction are typically very fine lines that run along the bottom of the earlobe and are virtually undetectable in most patients.

Can I combine other procedures with earlobe reduction surgery?

Yes, in fact, many of our patients choose to combine earlobe reduction with other ear-related cosmetic procedures including reversing gauged earlobes and/or earlobe rejuvenation treatments.

Schedule a Consultation for Earlobe Reduction in NYC

Dr. Cangello is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in earlobe reduction procedures. If you’d like to learn more about your options for earlobe reduction surgery, please schedule a personal consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Cangello can also review any additional concerns you may have about cosmetic imperfections of the earlobes create a custom treatment plan to address them. Please contact us at (646) 791-7597 to schedule a consultation in NYC.

Consultation Button Request A Consultation

Call: (646) 809-0863

or Complete the form below

The consultation fee with Dr. Cangello starts at $250. Your consultation fee may be applied to your procedure, provided you undergo the same procedure for which you had the consultation.

Close