Prominent, wide, or elongated earlobes may be unsightly or detract from the overall beauty and symmetry of the face. Some people are born with large, pendulous earlobes or an obvious asymmetry between sides. Most people, however, have well-proportioned and relatively symmetric earlobes in youth, but the earlobes become heavier, wider, or longer with age. This is particularly true in people who wear heavy or large earrings for many years. Regardless of the cause, problematic earlobes can be treated by Dr. Ransom.

Each of the issues discussed above can be treated with a simple surgical procedure called earlobe reduction (earlobe reshaping). Dr. Ransom reduces or reshapes the soft tissue of the earlobe using precise measurements and fine surgical instruments, according to the specific details desired by the patient. Earlobe reduction is a minimally-invasive procedure and can be performed with local anesthesia or minimal sedation in an office-based facility or ambulatory surgery center. The procedure may be combined with earlobe repair, which is a minor procedure to fix torn earlobes (from piercings or trauma) or gauged ears.

Earlobe reduction can be performed with other aesthetic surgical or non-surgical treatments, such as rhytidectomy (facelift) or skin resurfacing. For more information about earlobe reduction, please contact Dr. Ransom or schedule your consultation today!

Who Is A Candidate?

Anyone who desires a change in the size or shape of the earlobes is a candidate for earlobe reduction or reshaping. The only absolute contraindication to the procedure is an ongoing or recent infection of the area, including an infected piercing. This would have to be completely resolved before the procedure in order to ensure appropriate healing. For gauged earlobes, the details of the procedure are somewhat different and depend largely on the size and shape of the gauges in place. For larger gauges, a complex rearrangement of the delicate earlobe skin is needed. Patients with a history of hypertrophic scars require special consideration. Dr. Ransom would be happy to discuss this in detail during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that all patients are different and individual healing times and results may vary. The statements regarding procedures and recovery made here are general rules.

After the procedure, a protective dressing may be required overnight. When the dressing is removed, the treated earlobes may appear slightly puffy or swollen. Minimal bruising and redness can also occur, but significant swelling or pain should not. With appropriate activity restrictions, patients are typically able to return to school or work the next day, though earrings should not be worn for a week.

After the procedure it is important to allow sufficient time for healing before wearing earrings, particularly heavy hoops or dangling pendant types. Dr. Ransom requests that you do not wear earrings at all for the first week. After this time, if healing is progressing normally, studs can be worn. It is best to wait at least two weeks before wearing other types of earrings. In some case, it is necessary to re-pierce the ears after an earlobe reduction, to place the holes in a better or more comfortable position. Dr. Ransom will do this for free in the office, after the earlobes have healed appropriately.

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.