Our services

Everything Your Earlobes Need

From a small tear to a large gauge, we offer gentle, effective procedures tailored to your situation. Most take under 45 minutes.

Restore split or partially torn earlobes to their natural shape.

Torn Earlobe Repair

Heavy earrings, an accidental snag, or years of wear can cause earlobes to split or tear. Our repair procedure carefully removes the scar tissue lining the tear and sutures the earlobe back together for a clean, natural result.

Starting at $849 per earlobe

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Procedure time

30-45 minutes

Healing time

4–6 weeks

Anesthesia

Local numbing

Re-piercing

Available after healing (usually wait 3 months post earlobe repair in Chicago)

Close up stretched piercings and gauge holes of any size.

Stretched & Gauge Repair

Whether you stretched your ears gradually or wore large gauges for years, we can reshape and restore your earlobes. The procedure removes excess tissue and reconstructs the earlobe so it looks natural and proportionate.

Starting at $849 per earlobe

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Procedure time

30–45 minutes

Healing time

6–8 weeks

Gauge sizes

All sizes welcome

Re-piercing

Available after healing

Get re-pierced in the perfect position once your earlobes have healed.

Re-Piercing

After your earlobe has fully healed from a repair procedure, we offer professional re-piercing in the ideal placement for your earlobe shape. We use sterile, high-quality jewelry and ensure a comfortable experience.

Starting at $88

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Procedure time

10–15 minutes

When available

After full healing (about 3 months after reconstruction)

Jewelry included

Yes — sterile starter earrings (nothing fancy)

Aftercare

Full instructions provided

How it works

What to Expect

01

Consultation

We start with a thorough examination to learn about your life and your earlobe to pick the best treatment plan for you.

02

In-Office Procedure

Your procedure is performed right in our Chicago clinic. We use local numbing so you're comfortable throughout.

03

Simple Aftercare

We send you home with easy aftercare instructions. Most patients have minimal downtime and return to normal activities the same day.

04

Healed & Happy

Within weeks your earlobes look natural and feel great. Come back for re-piercing when you're ready!

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does earlobe repair hurt?+
Most patients feel little to no discomfort. We apply a topical numbing agent before the procedure, so you'll feel pressure but not pain. Any mild soreness afterward is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does it take to heal?+
Torn earlobe repairs typically heal in 4–6 weeks. Gauge repairs may take 6–8 weeks depending on the size. We'll give you a personalized timeline at your consultation.
Will there be a scar?+
Some faint scarring is normal, but it fades significantly over time. Most patients find the result looks completely natural. Proper aftercare helps minimize any visible scarring.
Can I get re-pierced after repair?+
Yes! Once your earlobe has fully healed, we can re-pierce it in the ideal position. We recommend waiting at least 8 weeks after your repair procedure, but most patients wait 3 months.
How much does it cost?+
Torn earlobe repair starts at $849 per earlobe. Gauge repair starts at $849 per earlobe. If you're doing both ears, you'll get a reduced rate of $1499 for both earlobe reconstructions.  Re-piercing starts at $88. We'll give you an exact quote at your consultation. Consultation fee ($249) may be applied to the cost of your procedure. We collect this consultation fee to ensure you get the attention you deserve.
Is it covered by insurance?+
Earlobe repair is considered a cosmetic or aesthetic procedure and is not usually covered by insurance. We accept all major credit cards and can discuss payment options at your consultation.
Who is the best surgeon for earlobe repair in Chicago?+
Dr. Benjamin T. Lemelman at One Plastic Surgery is Chicago's dedicated earlobe repair specialist. Unlike general plastic surgeons who perform earlobe repair occasionally, Dr. Lemelman has made it a focus of his practice — which means more experience, refined technique, and better outcomes for patients. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and trained at top academic programs.
Where is One Plastic Surgery located in Chicago?+
One Plastic Surgery is located in Chicago, IL. We serve patients from across the city including Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, River North, Lakeview, Wicker Park, and the surrounding suburbs. Call (312) 789-4141 or email [email protected] to schedule.
How do I choose a surgeon for earlobe repair?+
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs earlobe repair regularly — not just occasionally. Ask to see before-and-after photos, confirm the procedure is done in-office under local anesthesia, and get a clear all-in price quote. Dr. Lemelman at Earlobe Repair Chicago specializes in this procedure and welcomes consultations.
Can large gauge holes be fully closed?+
Yes. Dr. Lemelman has successfully closed gauge holes of all sizes, including large-diameter plugs. The procedure removes the stretched tissue and reconstructs the earlobe so it looks natural and proportionate. Results depend on the size of the gauge and the amount of remaining tissue, which is why a consultation is the best first step.

Not Sure Which Service You Need?

Book a consultation and we'll walk you through the best option for your earlobes.

Book a Consultation

You'll be glad you did.