Tribal-earlobes
Over 40 years of expert care
Best UK Group & 5 star reviews
Established Clinics
Award winning treatment plans
Over 40 years of expert care
Best UK Group & 5 star reviews
Nationwide Clinics
Award winning treatment plans
Medically reviewed by Mr Mark Lloyd, BM, MRCS (Eng), MSc, IM&T(Health), M.Phil, FRCS(Plast), ECFMG. GMC Number , Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed November 28th 2023
Tribal Earlobe Repair
Tribal earlobe that are stretched to more than 10mm are unlikely to fully contract back to their original size. The altered shape of the earlobe then becomes difficult to hide and can negatively impact your appearance, social life or career.
Tribal or stretched earlobe repair is a quick and effective procedure that corrects the appearance of overstretched ear lobes as a result of tribal ear piercing.
It is important to see someone who is experienced in tribal earlobe repair and is able to recreate the curve of your earlobe to avoid any unnatural-looking lumps or bumps.
Tribal ear repair at The Private Clinic is performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons who have extensive experience in ear correction surgery.
Tribal Earlobes at a glance
Procedure Time
15 – 20 mins per ear
Anaesthetic Type
Local anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
Daycase
Support Garment
None
Washing
1 day
Sleeping
Elevate head 1-2 weeks
Driving
1 day
Reasonably Mobile
Immediately
Sexual Activity
1 week
Back to work
1 – 2 days
Exercise
1 – 3 days
Travel
1 week
Full Recovery Time
4 – 6 weeks
Final Results
6 weeks
What is a tribal ear piercing?
Tribal ear piercing dates back to ancient tribes and civilizations where body modification was a major part of their culture including achieving social status, religious reasons or for beauty purposes.
Tribal ear piercing stems from an original traditional ear piercing that is then using a cone shaped taper which is pushed further through the daily or using large sized tunnels to deliberately stretch the piercing hole to allow larger pieces of jewellery to be worn.
Who needs Tribal Earlobe Repair?
When the time comes to remove these pieces of it is often difficult for the ear to return to its original shape, particularly for ears that have been stretched to over 10mm. Tribal earlobe correction surgery is then required to fix the earlobe and restore its original shape and size.
Tribal earlobe correction is often requested for those struggling to secure jobs or promotions in the . Other side effects of tribal earlobe piercing are keloid scarring which can cause pain and severe itchiness and skin sagging which can cause an unwanted appearance to the ears causing patients to avoid social situations or wear their hair short.
View our
Tribal Earlobe Repair Before & After Photos
Our reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience. Take a look at some of our tribal earlobe repair results below.
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your with us.
Tribal earlobe repair consultations will take place with one of our expert plastic .
During this consultation, your surgeon will be able to assess your suitability for surgery and discuss the options available.
Your surgeon will then also:
You will then be allocated a patient coordinator who will be your point of contact should you wish to go ahead with the procedure.
In the interests of patient safety, all our patients are assessed against our patient selection criteria. Following your tribal earlobe repair consultation your medical history will be reviewed and the pre-operative nurse will advise on pre-operative tests.
They will advise you of any precautions you need to take in the days or weeks leading up to your tribal procedure and advise on any medication that you should stop taking before your procedure.
Tribal surgery may be performed in hospital or within one of our in-house clinic theatres under local anaesthetic. The procedure takes minutes per ear to perform.
On arrival
The procedure
Once the surgeon and nursing team are happy that you are safe to return home, you will be discharged and allowed to leave accompanied by a family member or friend.
Your surgeon will provide you with aftercare information to follow and any medication that you will be required to take during your . You will also have information on how to contact us at any time should you feel or concerned at any point during your recovery.
The downtime after tribal earlobe repair surgery is minimal and many patients can return to work the day following their procedure. We recommend that strenuous exercise is avoided for 48 hours.
You will be to attend a series of follow-up appointments at The Private Clinic which a 1-week check-up appointment with a nurse and then your 6-week post-operative with your surgeon. At this stage, you should be fully healed and back to your everyday activities and your surgeon will be able to advise you on anything you are unsure of.
The Private Clinic have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you had ear stretchers and they were below 10mm the hole in your ear may naturally constrict back to a smaller size. If the hole is over 10mm then the hole will gradually shrink over time, but not enough so that it would not be noticeable and you will then require surgery to repair it.
We usually estimate minutes of surgery per ear. This will vary depending on how big the ear is stretched and what technique is being used.
We carry out most tribal earlobe repair procedures under local anaesthetic. The procedure itself is very quick and we will ensure that you are not in any pain throughout the procedure. If you are feeling anxious about surgery then a sedative could also be used but general anaesthetic is not normally used.
You should not be in any pain during tribal earlobe repair surgery as both a topical numbing cream and a local anaesthetic will have been administered to the area being treated.
Post-surgery, you may start to feel a little discomfort as the wears off. This can be managed with pain relief such as paracetamol.
Whilst you should be okay to drive following your procedure if it took place under local anaesthetic, we do recommend that you refrain from for 24 hours.
This is because everyone reacts to local anaesthetic and it does still have side effects for at least 24 hours.
We ask that patients arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home.
Our advice on what to consider when to have a tribal earlobe repair procedure:
1. When choosing a clinic, you should always do your research, and only go to an established, reputable clinic.
The Private Clinic has been in the cosmetic surgery industry for over 40 years. We are here to answer all of your questions and give you peace of mind.
2. When choosing a surgeon, make sure you know who you’ll be seeing. Their expertise, qualifications and patient satisfaction rate are important factors to take into consideration.
At The Private Clinic, we only source the most experienced and specialised surgeons. Find out more about our plastic surgeons here.
3. Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing where to have your treatment. Safety should be your number one priority and feeling confident that they will look after you – not only before, but also after your procedure
4. When it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Always find out what your clinic’s reputation is.
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape.
Outstanding care, patient satisfaction and results mean everything to The Private Clinic Team
"Having an earlobe repair procedure has opened up a lot of new options and opportunities for me."
Tribal Earlobe Repair – Sam
Why Choose The Private Clinic
Meet our Surgeons
We are proud to have some of the UK’s leading working with us and together we strive to deliver effective coupled with the best care available. All of our surgeons have extensive experience and knowledge has made them very well-respected within our industry. Tribal Earlobe Repair consultations are at our , and clinics.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive, Cosmetic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Polynucleotides Hair (agree with this) Transplant Surgeon & Vaser Lipo Total Definer Surgeon
Consultant Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon
Ready to begin your journey?
Come and see our expert surgeons to discuss the best options available for you. Book a consultation and take that first step.
Talk to an expert
The Private Clinic Group includes:
About The Private Clinic
The Private Clinic is a multi award winning medical group with clinics located across the UK. We have over 40 years’ experience in offering the best in advanced minimally invasive non surgical treatments and expert led surgical procedures in our clinics and hospitals. Our surgeons are all registered with the and we are regulated by the . The CQC is an independent regulator for health and social care in England. Last review March 10th 2023.
Information
Useful Links
Sign Up for Latest News & Offers
View our
Company reg: The Private Clinic is a name of TPC Group Limited ( registration number ) © 2026 The Private Clinic.
TPC Group Limited trading as The Private Clinic Harley Street London, which is an Appointed of Chrysalis Finance Limited. TPC Group Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. Chrysalis Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit broking and lending.