All surgical procedures create a scar.
However, incisions are carefully placed to minimise visible scarring and achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Most scars gradually fade with time and become significantly less noticeable.
All consultations and procedures are personally performed by Dr Peter Kim.
Why Choose Dr Peter Kim?
Over 20 years procedural experience
Fellowship of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (2009)
Author and presenter of more than 20 publications
Approximately 1,000 minor surgical procedures performed each year
Same-day treatment available for many patients
Local anaesthetic procedures
No hospital admission required
Personalised assessment and treatment
Learn more about Dr Peter Kim.
What Is Earlobe Repair?
Earlobe repair is a minor surgical procedure designed to restore the natural appearance of the earlobe.
Common reasons for treatment include:
Torn Earlobe
A split or torn earlobe caused by heavy earrings or accidental pulling.
Stretched Earring Hole
Piercing holes that have gradually enlarged over time.
Gauge Repair
Correction of stretched earlobes caused by gauges or plugs.
Earlobe Reduction
Reduction of large or elongated earlobes to improve facial balance.
Pixie Ear Correction
Correction of attached or stretched earlobes following ageing or previous surgery.
Same-Day Earlobe Repair
Many patients are surprised to learn that earlobe repair can often be performed immediately after consultation.
Benefits include:
No hospital admissionNo general anaestheticProcedure performed under local anaestheticReturn home immediately afterwardsMinimal disruption to daily activitiesConvenient clinic-based treatment
Real Patient Results
Over the past 20 years, Dr Peter Kim has treated a wide variety of earlobe problems. Below are examples of actual patients treated at our clinic.
Examples include: torn earlobes, split earlobes, stretched earring holes, gauge repairs, pixie ear correction, earlobe reduction surgery, earlobe cyst removal and earlobe reshaping.
Gauge Earlobe Repair
This patient had a gauge hole stretched into a long earlobe loop. The earlobe was surgically repaired, restoring a more natural shape.
Split Earlobe Surgical Repair
A split earlobe from a torn earring hole, surgically repaired under local anaesthesia as a same-day procedure by Dr Peter Kim. Earlobe repair restores the natural shape of the ear with a neat, well-healed result.
Enlarged Earlobe Repair Under Local Anaesthesia
This patient was pursuing a military career, and as part of the medical assessment, the enlarged earring hole needed to be repaired. Enlarged or stretched earring holes are a common problem and can occur after years of wearing heavy earrings or following trauma. Fortunately, they can usually be repaired with a straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthesia. The procedure is completed in our clinic, with meticulous suturing to achieve the best possible cosmetic result. Patients can return home shortly afterwards, and once the earlobe has fully healed, re-piercing can usually be considered if desired.
Torn Earlobe From a Rushed Morning Accident
This patient presented with a split, torn ear from an earring accident, which happened as she was rushing to put make-up on for work. She did not want to have it repaired at her local medical centre and found us by googling. She was concerned about the pain of local anaesthesia, but afterward said it was less painful than Botox and she felt comfortable. Same-day surgery was provided. A full tear of the ear costs a gap fee of $750 to repair (2026).
Loose, stretched earring hole
Earlobe piercings can gradually stretch and loosen over time, especially with heavier earrings worn over many years.
This patient had a loose, stretched earring hole that had widened gradually over the years. The earlobe was surgically repaired to close and tighten the piercing site, restoring a natural earlobe shape.
The procedure was performed under local anaesthesia on the same day as the consultation and takes approximately 15 minutes. The photos show the result before treatment and one week after suture removal, with a neat, well-healed outcome.
The cost for loose earring hole repair is $600 (as of 08/2026).
Same-day torn earlobe repair
A torn earlobe from an earring accident doesn’t need to wait — repair can often be done the same day.
This patient had a torn earlobe repaired under local anaesthesia on the same day as the consultation, restoring the earlobe’s shape promptly without the need for a separate procedure date.
The torn edges were carefully realigned and closed to support natural healing and a neat cosmetic result.
Gauged earlobe hole present since age 13
Stretched or gauged earlobes from years ago don’t have to be permanent if your style or preferences have changed.
This patient had a large gauged earlobe hole since the age of 13 and was ready to move on, wanting the hole closed and her earlobe restored to a more natural shape. Earlobe repair is a wonderfully satisfying treatment, giving patients back the option of a normal-looking lobe after years of stretching.
The repair is performed under local anaesthesia, with the stretched tissue carefully trimmed and the earlobe reshaped and closed. Scarring is generally minimal and heals well, often barely noticeable once fully settled.
Same-day repeat repair of a re-torn earlobe
A torn earlobe doesn’t always heal permanently the first time, especially if it’s re-injured before it’s fully settled.
This patient’s earlobe had originally torn due to an earring accident and was repaired, but unfortunately tore again afterward. We offered a same-day repeat repair of the torn earlobe under local anaesthesia, giving her a prompt solution without a long wait for a second procedure.
Recurrent tears can happen, particularly if the area is knocked or put under strain again before the tissue has fully healed, but a further repair can generally be carried out successfully.
All patient photos
These photos show real patients treated by Dr Peter Kim and are provided for educational purposes only. Individual results vary.
The Procedure
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic.
Treatment may involve:
- Removal of stretched or damaged tissue
- Reshaping of the earlobe
- Fine suturing techniques
- Restoration of the natural contour of the ear
Most repairs take approximately 15–30 minutes per earlobe.
Recovery
Following surgery, patients may experience:
- Mild swelling
- Mild bruising
- Mild tenderness
Sutures are generally removed after 7–14 days.
Most patients return to normal activities shortly after treatment.
Earrings should generally be avoided for approximately 6–8 weeks while healing occurs.
For aftercare, see our wound care instructions after skin surgery.
Earlobe Repair Costs
Loose / stretched earring hole$600
Gap fee for loose or stretched earring hole repair.
Consultation fee$105
Medicare rebate: approximately $50.
Procedure fees
- Loose or stretched earring hole repair$600 gap
- Torn or split earlobe repair$750 gap
- Gauge repair$1,000 gap
- Earlobe reduction surgeryFrom $1,500 gap
The final cost depends on the complexity of the repair and will be confirmed during consultation. Many procedures can be performed on the same day as the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a scar?
Can I re-pierce my ears afterwards?
Yes.
Most patients can have their ears re-pierced after the earlobe has completely healed.
This is usually performed approximately 6–8 weeks after surgery.
Does earlobe repair hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Most repairs take approximately 15–30 minutes per earlobe.
Can both ears be repaired on the same day?
Yes. Many patients choose to have both ears repaired during the same appointment.
Can gauges be repaired?
Yes. Gauge repair is one of the most common procedures we perform.
Will my earlobe look normal again?
The goal of treatment is to restore a natural appearance while minimising visible scarring.
Who performs the procedure?
All consultations and procedures are personally performed by Dr Peter Kim.
Book a consultation
Consultations are available at our Chatswood (4/9 Railway Street) and Cabramatta (227 Railway Parade) clinics, Wednesday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Phone (02) 9411 4880 or SMS 0433 284 880. You can also email peter@peterkim.com.au or visit our contact page.
Same-day earlobe repair available · Over 20 years experience · Personalised treatment by Dr Peter Kim.