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Renewed Balance And Proportion

Often overlooked, large or stretched-out earlobes can draw attention and be out of balance with the rest of the face. Age and heavy earrings can elongate earlobes over time. If your earlobes are abnormally large and out of proportion with the rest of your face, an earlobe reduction may be a great option for you. 

Earlobe Reduction Before & Afters

*Each patient is unique, and individual results may vary.

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What Is Earlobe Reduction?

This simple surgery can reshape and resize your earlobes while retaining their natural curved look. Here at the Buckingham Center, we are pleased to offer earlobe reductions for patients in the Austin area. Our surgeons have performed many of these procedures and know that even a small change, like a reduced earlobe, can make you look younger and help you feel more confident in your own skin. Earlobe reductions can be performed under local anesthesia as an isolated procedure, or in conjunction with a lower facelift. 

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Benefits Of An Earlobe Reduction

The greatest benefit of earlobe reduction is that it can transform the way a patient’s earlobes look and even improve their facial balance and aesthetics. The procedure makes earlobes smaller while improving their proportion to the rest of the face. With a simple procedure like an earlobe reduction, patients can rejuvenate long, saggy earlobes and enjoy a more youthful appearance.

Patients will be pleased to learn that earlobe reduction is a minimally invasive procedure that requires very little downtime and will have minimum interference with their normal activities. Earlobe reduction causes little pain or discomfort, which is a concern for many potential patients.

Most Common Reasons For Earlobe Reduction/Repair

There are several reasons why a patient may want or need an earlobe reduction. If they have worn heavy earrings for a significant number of years, they may have noticed that their earlobes have stretched the original ear-piercing hole and lengthened or even split the lobe.

Some patients have intentionally stretched their earlobes through a process called gauging. Gauging is a type of body piercing that progressively increases the size of the earlobe hole in order to fit earrings that become increasingly larger. Many people who have stopped wearing gauged earrings eventually decide to repair their earlobes to minimize the stretched-out appearance.

In some cases, earlobes are suddenly damaged because of some type of trauma. Examples of this trauma include a sports injury or getting an earring caught by some clothing or a hairbrush. Parents may even experience damaged earlobes because of a young child tugging on them.

Regardless of the cause of an enlarged or damaged earlobe, patients are likely to feel insecure and may even experience some pain. Some patients may also be fearful of wearing earrings ever again. Fortunately, all of these issues can be resolved with a minimally invasive earlobe reduction or piercing repair procedure.

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Ideal Candidates For Earlobe Reduction/Repair

An earlobe reduction is ideal for men and women who are in good general health and would like to address issues related to their earlobe. With an earlobe reduction procedure, our surgeons reduce the size of earlobes or repair damage that occurs due to trauma, earrings, or aging. Patients should have realistic expectations for the procedure and understand the typical results of earlobe repair before moving forward.

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What To Expect During An Earlobe Reduction Consultation

Patients who are concerned about the appearance of their earlobes should consider visiting our Austin-area facility for a private consultation. During the consultation, one of our surgeons will meet with the patient and evaluate the state of his or her earlobes to determine whether earlobe reduction or repair is a suitable option to address the patient’s concerns. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about the procedure and can view before-and-after pictures so that they get an idea of the results they can expect.

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The Earlobe Reduction Procedure

Earlobe reduction surgery can be completed in under 30 minutes per ear. In most cases, only local anesthesia is required for this procedure. Although patients may feel some light pressure on their ears, they should not expect any pain or discomfort. Your surgeon will begin by making incisions into the crease between the earlobe and cheek, allowing the scar to be naturally camouflaged over time. Then, a small portion of the patient's earlobe will be carefully removed. Next, your surgeon will repair the lobe while ensuring its shape and size are proportional to the patient's face.

To close the earlobe, the surgeon will use sutures, which will be removed in about 5 to 7 days after the procedure. Patients should be able to leave our facility as soon as their earlobe reduction is complete. The earlobes can then be re-pierced 3-6 weeks following the procedure, depending on the type of reduction or repair procedure. We prefer to perform the piercing for the patient to ensure accurate placement and complete satisfaction with the overall procedure.

Recovering From Earlobe Reduction

Since earlobe reduction is a fairly quick and simple procedure, recovery is also short and easy. Patients will need to elevate their head while sleeping to minimize swelling. Most patients resume work and other duties in a day or so.

Why Choose The Buckingham Center For Facial Plastic Surgery?

If you are searching for the best facility for earlobe reduction in the Austin area, schedule a consultation at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. Our surgeons are highly skilled at this procedure and have seen the benefits for men and women from all walks of life. 

From the moment you visit us for your private consultation to the follow-up appointment, you can depend on the highest quality service and individualized attention you deserve. Our surgeons are dedicated to working with you to achieve the aesthetic results you are hoping for.

Our accredited in-house surgical facility is not only state-of-the-art but also exquisitely designed, creating an atmosphere of comfort, safety, and confidence. Every member of our team is committed to delivering exceptional service, ensuring that every interaction leaves you feeling valued and heard. 

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Earlobe Reduction FAQs

Can earlobe reduction repair the damage from gauges?

Does earlobe reduction lead to scarring?

Can ears be pierced after earlobe reduction?

What are the risks of earlobe reduction?

Can I exercise after earlobe reduction?

When can I shower after earlobe reduction?

Are there ways to protect the earlobes after undergoing earlobe reduction?

Why do earlobes stretch over time?

Is there a procedure I can have to trim down the size of my earlobes?

Can earlobe reduction repair the damage from gauges?

Many patients opt for earlobe reduction because they have stretched their earlobes with gauge piercings and no longer like the way they look. The good news is that earlobe reduction can correct the damage from gauges.

Does earlobe reduction lead to scarring?

Scars from earlobe reduction usually fade and become virtually invisible within the first year following the procedure. Applying sunscreen and wearing hats to limit sun exposure can reduce the risk of visible scarring.

Can ears be pierced after earlobe reduction?

Typically, yes. It is often possible for patients to get their earlobes pierced three to six weeks after their earlobe reduction. However, patients with more extensive injury (e.g., injuries associated with gauged piercings) may need to wait until their earlobe has completely healed before proceeding with re-piercing.

What are the risks of earlobe reduction?

Since earlobe reduction is a surgical procedure, complications are a possibility. Some of the most common risks include infection, scar formation, and notching. Fortunately, these risks are rare when the surgery is performed by a skilled surgeon at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.

Can I exercise after earlobe reduction?

We understand that many patients who undergo earlobe reduction lead busy lives. However, we encourage them to avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours after the procedure. This minimizes the risk of pain, bleeding, and swelling.

When can I shower after earlobe reduction?

Patients may shower the day after earlobe reduction. We suggest using a gentle baby shampoo and refrain from scrubbing the surgical area.

Are there ways to protect the earlobes after undergoing earlobe reduction?

After earlobe reduction, there are certain strategies that can help patients keep their earlobes in good shape. These strategies include piercing their ears in a new location, opting for lightweight or stud earrings, and avoiding dangling or large hoop earrings, especially around infants and children.

Why do earlobes stretch over time?

Some patients come to our facility and are unsure as to why their earlobes have elongated over time. The truth is that the earlobes, just like other tissues, can stretch out and sag due to normal aging. Even patients who have never worn earrings can expect to see some stretching of their earlobes.

Is there a procedure I can have to trim down the size of my earlobes?

Earlobes are easily reduced by a simple office-based surgical procedure. The earlobes are marked out after a discussion to identify how small the patient wants the earlobes to be. The area is injected with local anesthesia and then reduced by excision of the earlobe at the cheek earlobe junction. Then, the surgeon sutures the earlobe. If a piercing has been removed, it can be replaced after six weeks of healing.

Schedule an Earlobe Reduction Consultation Today

For more information about earlobe reduction, don’t hesitate to schedule an earlobe reduction consultation at the Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas, today. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about how we can help you look and feel better. Call us at 512-401-2500 or fill out our online contact form today to request a consultation with one of our highly skilled surgeons.

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