Earlobe Reduction

Earlobe reduction is not a painful procedure and is comfortably performed under local anesthesia. You will not feel any discomfort during the surgery after the local anesthesia injections. After the procedure, some patients experience mild soreness, tightness, or swelling. These effects are temporary and will resolve within a few days. Most patients find that over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, is more than enough to manage any discomfort. Since the incisions are small and precise, healing is easy with minimal irritation.

After the initial consultation, a preoperative appointment will be scheduled to review the treatment plan and ensure all questions are answered. Plan to be in the office for at least 2 hours on the day of the procedure, and you could drive yourself if needed. However, if you choose to take oral sedation medication for anxiety, you must have a driver. Most patients do not require any sedation. A follow-up visit is scheduled about a week later to monitor healing and remove the sutures. Most patients return to follow-up in the weeks and months after surgery to evaluate the final results and discuss if any further refinements would be beneficial. Since healing is generally quick, most people resume their normal routines immediately and don’t require ongoing visits.

Results from earlobe reduction are visible immediately after the procedure, but these results will be temporarily obscured by swelling. Over the next few days to a week, the earlobes will settle into their new, smaller, and more balanced appearance as it subsides. The incision lines will gradually fade over several weeks to months, leaving minimal, discreet scarring. By the time the healing process is fully complete, most patients are left with natural-looking, proportionate earlobes that complement their facial features.

Yes, it’s common to combine earlobe reduction surgery with correction of torn piercings or otoplasty (upper ear reshaping surgery). Non-surgical treatments, such as Botox or dermal fillers, can be performed during the same visit. Some patients prefer to have earlobe reduction performed as part of their facelift or neck lift. During your consultation, Dr. Compton can recommend the best combination of treatments based on your interests and medical history.

While earlobe reduction is a low-risk procedure, it is essential to consider some potential complications. Mild pain, poor scarring, asymmetry, over- or under-reduction, and infection may occur. Following all post-operative care instructions, such as keeping the area clean, avoiding excessive pressure, and refraining from wearing heavy earrings during the healing process, can also significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. If you experience any unusual pain, prolonged swelling, or signs of infection, you should contact Dr. Compton’s office for an evaluation.