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Split earlobe correction - the day-case repair, done properly.

A short day-case procedure under local anaesthetic to repair a torn earlobe. Fine-suture technique, a small scar along the natural axis, and re-piercing planned in.

See indicative pricing
A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Indicative pricing

What a private split earlobe correction costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner UK units.

In short

£950–£1,700, home the same hour.

Procedure Indicative range
Split earlobe repair, one side £550–£950
Split earlobe repair, both sides £950–£1,700
Repair with wedge excision (stretched gauge) £1,100–£2,000
Incomplete tear or partial cleft repair £500–£900
Combined with earlobe reduction £1,500–£2,600
Ear re-piercing at 6–8 weeks £75–£150
Scar revision at 6 months (if needed) £450–£800
Consultation £150–£280

Prices vary by consultant, by whether one lobe or both are done, and by whether an incomplete tear or a stretched gauge needs a wedge excision.

The problem

A small procedure that deserves a plastic surgeon.

Split earlobe repair is one of the most common minor plastic procedures. Done well it leaves a small scar and takes a re-piercing. Done poorly the notch comes back.

  • Full-thickness closure, in layers

    The tract is excised and closed in three layers, not simply sutured across.

  • A scar along the natural axis

    Incisions are planned along the natural lobe axis so the scar sits inside a shadow.

  • A plan for re-piercing

    A fresh piercing at 6–8 weeks, ideally offset from the old scar, avoids splitting again.

When it helps

When split earlobe correction is the right step.

The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means urgent review rather than a routine booking.

  • Complete earlobe split

    A tear that runs all the way through, usually from an earring being caught or pulled.

  • Incomplete earlobe cleft

    A partial tear that has not yet extended through the free edge - repair before it does.

  • Stretched piercing (gauged lobe)

    A lobe stretched by tunnels or heavy jewellery - usually needs a wedge excision and a re-shaping repair.

  • Traumatic tear from jewellery

    A single event, usually a caught earring - the simplest kind of repair.

  • Recurrent split after previous repair

    A tear that has come back through the old scar - usually needs a different closure design and a fresh piercing site.

  • Cosmetic asymmetry

    Two lobes that no longer match after a partial tear - repair with a small adjustment on the other side.

  • Split from thick or heavy earrings

    A common history - repair and a plan for lighter, shorter earrings going forward.

  • Red flag: signs of infection

    Spreading redness, discharge or fever from a piercing site is an antibiotic case first, surgery second.

Procedure options

Simple linear closure, or a flap for a stretched lobe.

The technique used depends on whether the split is a clean tear, a stretched gauge, or a partial-thickness cleft.

  • Linear closure (straight-line)

    The simplest technique - the edges are freshened and closed in a straight line. Simple and reliable in most clean tears.

  • Z-plasty or W-plasty

    A small zig-zag scar that hides better in the lobe’s natural curves - often used where a straight closure would notch.

  • Wedge excision for stretched lobes

    For a gauged or heavily stretched lobe, a small wedge of excess tissue is removed to restore normal shape.

  • Flap repair

    A small local flap for the tricky notched or L-shaped tear that has failed simple closure.

  • Concurrent earlobe reduction

    For patients who want a smaller lobe as well as a repair - combined at the same sitting to save time and cost.

  • Re-piercing technique

    A fresh piercing at 6–8 weeks, offset from the old scar, usually by a specialist piercer with a small studded stud.

  • Scar management

    Silicone tape, sunblock and massage from week two. A short course of steroid injection for a hypertrophic scar if it appears.

  • Scar revision

    Occasional revision at 6 months for a scar that has widened or a small notch - usually a five-minute local procedure.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

A well-established procedure in the right hands. The honest conversation is about recovery and expectations.

  • Local anaesthetic, awake the whole time

    A small injection numbs the lobe. You can chat throughout. No fasting needed.

  • Scarring

    A small linear or zig-zag scar. Most fade well over 6–12 months. A hypertrophic scar in an occasional patient may need silicone or steroid.

  • Notching

    The classic complication - a small V-shaped notch at the free edge. Careful closure design keeps it under 5 percent.

  • Infection

    Rare in the ear given the blood supply. Antibiotics only if there is a clear infection.

  • Recurrence

    Tears through the old scar happen in around 5–10 percent - most from re-piercing too early or through the scar itself.

  • Asymmetry after repair

    Ears never look exactly the same. A small asymmetry is normal; a large one may need a matching adjustment on the other side.

  • When to re-pierce

    Not before 6–8 weeks, and never through the scar. Small studs, no heavy earrings for six months.

  • The look after 6 months

    Scars mature over half a year. Photograph before you commit to a revision.

  • Red flags after the procedure

    Spreading redness, discharge or fever needs a call or a same-day review.

Reading your notes

Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever approach was used, the note the surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.

A UK plastic surgeon reviewing a patient’s earlobe repair notes

A quiet reminder

Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.

If you would like us to talk you through the operation note before your review, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication and approach

    Why the earlobe repair was done, which side, and what approach was chosen.

  2. 02 Technique

    What was done

    The technique in plain terms - incisions, structures addressed, implants or fixation used.

  3. 03 Findings

    Findings and complications

    What was seen and whether anything unexpected happened during the procedure.

  4. 04 Impression

    Plan, restrictions and follow-up

    Read this first: recovery restrictions, rehab timeline, and when we look at you again.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Usually covered when medically indicated.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about split earlobe correction.

Quick answers on cost, recovery and what happens if it does not work.

  • How long does a split earlobe repair take?

    About 30 minutes for one ear, 45–60 minutes for both, from injecting local to walking out. You are awake the whole time and can drive yourself home unless you have opted for oral sedation.

  • Will the scar be visible?

    A small linear or zig-zag scar sits along the natural axis of the lobe. Most fade to a fine line at six months. Silicone tape and sun protection help.

  • When can I re-pierce my ear?

    From about 6–8 weeks once the scar has fully settled. The new piercing should be through fresh tissue, not the scar itself. Small studs, no heavy or dangly earrings for the first six months.

  • How much does a private split earlobe correction cost in the UK?

    Roughly £550–£950 for one ear, £950–£1,700 for both. Wedge excision for a stretched lobe or combining it with earlobe reduction sits at the upper end.

  • Can I have it on the NHS?

    Split earlobe repair is cosmetic in almost all cases and rarely funded on the NHS. Private is the usual route, and prices in this range are inclusive of consultation and follow-up.

  • Will my earlobe be strong enough to hold earrings again?

    Yes. Once the scar has matured and re-piercing is done through fresh tissue, the lobe can hold normal earrings comfortably. Sensible earring choice is what stops it splitting again.

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