Earlobe Repair in Korea: Fix Torn & Stretched Piercings - Prices 2025

Torn or stretched earlobes from heavy earrings, gauges, or accidents are common concerns. Korea offers expert surgical repair with minimal scarring. Here's your complete guide to restoring your earlobes.

Understanding Earlobe Damage

Types of Damage

Common Causes

• Heavy earrings worn frequently
• Earrings caught on clothing/hair
• Children pulling earrings
• Gauge/plug stretching
• Trauma or accidents
• Aging and skin thinning

Why Repair?

• Can't wear earrings
• Cosmetic concern
• Symmetry issues
• Want to repierce

Why Korea for Earlobe Repair?

Korea offers excellent earlobe surgery:

• Expert surgeons: High case volume
• Minimal scarring: Advanced techniques
• Affordable: Competitive pricing
• Quick procedure: Same-day treatment
• Combination options: Can address other ear concerns

Treatment Options

1. Surgical Repair (Standard)

How it works: Edges trimmed and sutured together

For: Complete tears, severely stretched holes

Price: $310-$540 (₩400,000-₩700,000) per ear Procedure time: 30-45 minutes Recovery: 1-2 weeks

2. Minimal Incision Repair

How it works: Smaller incision technique for partial tears

For: Elongated holes, partial tears

Price: $230-$385 (₩300,000-₩500,000) per ear Procedure time: 20-30 minutes Recovery: 1 week

3. Plug/Gauge Closure

How it works: Specialized repair for stretched holes from gauges

For: Stretched gauge holes (various sizes)

Price: $460-$770 (₩600,000-₩1,000,000) per ear Procedure time: 45-60 minutes Recovery: 2-3 weeks

4. Earlobe Reduction

How it works: Reduces size of enlarged earlobes

For: Large, saggy, or elongated earlobes

Price: $385-$615 (₩500,000-₩800,000) per ear Procedure time: 30-45 minutes Recovery: 1-2 weeks

Pricing Summary (Korea 2025)

Both Ears

Most patients treat both ears. Some clinics offer package pricing:

• Both ears: 10-20% discount typically

The Repair Procedure

Before Surgery

• Consultation and assessment
• Photos for documentation
• Discuss placement for future piercing
• Medical history review

During Surgery (30-60 min)

1. Anesthesia: Local injection (quick, minimal discomfort)
2. Preparation: Cleaning and marking
3. Repair: Damaged edges trimmed, sutured
4. Closure: Fine sutures placed
5. Dressing: Light bandage applied

Pain Level

• During: Minimal (local anesthesia)
• After: Mild discomfort (2-3/10)
• Management: Over-the-counter pain relief sufficient

Recovery Timeline

Aftercare

First week:

• Keep area clean and dry
• Apply antibiotic ointment
• Avoid sleeping on repaired ear
• No swimming or submerging

Weeks 2-6:

• Gentle cleaning
• Sun protection
• Avoid pressure on ears
• No earrings yet

Repiercing After Repair

When Can I Repierce?

• Minimum wait: 6-8 weeks
• Recommended: 3-6 months
• For gauges: 6+ months

Repiercing Considerations

• New hole placement discussed during surgery
• Usually slightly different location
• Surgeon may create new hole during repair (optional)
• Or wait and have professional piercer do it

Preventing Future Damage

After repair and repiercing:

• Avoid heavy earrings daily
• Remove earrings at night
• Don't pull or tug
• Choose lighter styles
• Consider earring backings with support

Results

What to Expect

Scarring

• Fine line scar
• Usually well-concealed
• Fades over 6-12 months
• Can be hidden by earrings later

Who is a Good Candidate?

Ideal Candidates

✅ Good for:

• Torn earlobes (partial or complete)
• Stretched holes from gauges
• Elongated piercing holes
• Cosmetic earlobe concerns
• Wanting to wear earrings again

Considerations

⚠️ Discuss with surgeon if:

• Keloid history (higher recurrence risk)
• Active infection
• Certain medical conditions
• Unrealistic expectations

Keloid Risk

If You're Keloid-Prone

• Higher risk of keloid at repair site
• Discuss prevention strategies
• May need:
  • Steroid injection at repair
  • Pressure therapy
  • Silicone therapy
  • Close monitoring

Prevention Measures

• Steroid injection during/after surgery
• Silicone sheets post-healing
• Pressure earrings
• Avoid trauma to area

Choosing a Clinic in Seoul

What to Look For

• Plastic surgeon or ENT: Qualified specialists
• Earlobe experience: Specific expertise
• Before/after photos: Similar repairs
• Keloid awareness: If you're prone
• Repiercing guidance: Discuss timing/placement

Questions to Ask

• What technique do you use?
• Where will the scar be?
• When can I repierce?
• What about keloid risk?
• Do you have before/after photos?

FAQ

Q: How long does earlobe repair take? A: About 30-60 minutes per ear with local anesthesia.

Q: Is it painful? A: Minimal pain with local anesthesia during, mild discomfort after.

Q: When can I wear earrings again? A: After 6-8 weeks minimum, preferably 3-6 months.

Q: Will there be a visible scar? A: Minimal scarring that fades and can be hidden by earrings.

Q: Can gauged ears be fully repaired? A: Yes, even large gauge holes can be surgically closed.

Q: Do I need to repair both ears if only one is torn? A: Only the damaged ear needs repair, but many choose to address both for symmetry.

Q: Will my earlobe look normal? A: Yes, properly repaired earlobes look natural.

Q: Can the repair tear again? A: Possible if wearing heavy earrings. Follow prevention tips.

Conclusion

Earlobe repair in Korea offers expert surgical correction for torn, stretched, or damaged earlobes. With quick procedures, minimal scarring, and the ability to repierce after healing, you can restore your earlobes and enjoy wearing earrings again.

Ready to repair your earlobes? Consult with a Korean plastic surgeon for assessment and treatment.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about earlobe repair. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified professionals.

Last Updated: January 2025 Prices as of January 2025. Actual costs may vary by clinic and complexity.