Earring stuck in earlobe. Could I have it removed?

Question

I have an earring stuck in my Ear lobe, skin has grown over it. It’s been there for roughly 12 years and wondering, how could I have it removed? The stud is stuck. How much would it cost?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Depending on how stuck it is, removal may be performed in your surgeon’s office under local anesthetic. The cost would vary. In Toronto ON where my practice is located, this procedure may be covered under OHIP.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Earlobe repair is a common procedure in our plastic surgery office. I employ a technique that involves removing the excess scar tissue and reapproximating the tissue planes in multiple layers to recontour the earlobe after gauges, torn earlobes, or stretched out earlobes. Sometimes, the same procedure is used to restore contour to a pixie ear after facelift surgery or facial surgery. Gauge correction is a popular treatment. Insurance typically does not cover the procedure in California, but it all depends on your insurance policy. Costs are typically between six hundred dollars and one thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the repair. Pixie ear repair involves correction of the facelift flap and is a more complex procedure that requires anesthesia. Aftercare for earlobe repair involves proper wound care, Plato’s Scar Serum at least twice daily, with repiercing of the earlobe if requested, in 6 weeks. It is best to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure and help with scars in the post-procedure period. Plato’s Scar Serum, wound care, and Neosporin are used.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

This can be removed under local anesthesia and would cost under $1,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

And there is typically no downtime or inconvenience for patients. It is helpful to know what the shape of the embedded foreign body is so your surgeon will know what to look for. Consider meeting with several reputable facial plastic surgeons and this should be a relatively easy task, depending on your examination. I hope this is helpful, and thank you for the question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

This would be incredibly easy to do. The line just needs to be numbed up then it will be easy to remove earring. It could even be pierced again later

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Yep you could have it removed. This would be a relatively simple operation under local anesthetic (numbing injections only) so you could probably pop in and out in one day. You will most likely have stitches and probably will not be able to get it repierced for a little while.